Growth and Haemato-Biochemical Response in Lambs in Relation to Supplementary Feeding of Ewes in Late Pregnancy

A study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of concentrate supplementation (eight weeks before the expected date of lambing) to native ewes in coastal Odisha on lamb growth and haemato-biochemical profile. Forty pregnant ewes (12 months old) were randomly distributed into two groups (T-1 and T-2). Ewes of T-1 were maintained on grazing only while ewes of T-2 were supplemented with concentrate mixture @ 200 g/sheep/day along with grazing. Significantly (P<0.01) higher birth weight and growth was observed in T-2 group lambs. The lambs in T-2 showed significantly (P<0.05) higher haemoglobin, packed cell volume, blood glucose, total protein and globulin values in the pre-weaning period than those in T-1. It was concluded that pre-partum concentrate feeding @ 200 g/day/ewe to the pregnant ewe improved birth weight and growth rate of lambs.