Supplementary feeding of aged horro sheep in relation to weight gain, carcass yield and economic response under ethiopian conditions

An investigation was carried out on aged Horro ewes (> 6 yr. of age) during the years 1998–99 and 1999–2000 to assess the response to different levels of pre-market supplementary concentrate (noug cake 49, maize grain 49, salt 1 and bone meal 1%) feeding. The animals were allocated randomly to three treatments viz. grazing alone, grazing + 300 g, and grazing + 400 g concentrate/day/head. The study commenced in December and continued for 120 days finishing period during both the years. A total of 10 and 14 ewes were slaughtered during year 1 and 2, respectively at the end of study period for carcass evaluation. The effect of the treatment and year on final live weight and weight gain was significant (P<0.01). Final body condition and weight gain were significantly (P<0.05) affected only by treatments. Estimated price was also significantly (P<0.05) affected by year and treatment. Higher feeding level improved carcass weight and dressing percentage, but differences among treatments was non significant (P<0.05). The highest net return per ewe (91.57 birr) was obtained from sheep supplemented with 400g/day concentrate. The marginal rate of return analysis indicated that the 400 g/day supplementary feeding yielded a marginal return of 92%. As feed input was the major component of the production cost, pre-marketing supplementation of aged ewes should be undertaken. The results of the present investigation indicate that old ewes are responsive to improved management.