Effect of different floor types on growth performance and carcass traits in stall fed Nellore brown ram lambs

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different floor types on growth performance and carcass traits in growing stall fed Nellore brown ram lambs. The research animals were allotted randomly to 3 treatment groups (eight lambs in each group) i.e., on mud floor (control, T1), on concrete floor (T2) and on the elevated plastic slatted floor (T3) in a completely randomized design under intensive system. Statistical analysis of the data showed significantly higher body weight gain in T3 and T2 groups in the fifth fortnight. Significantly (P<0.01) higher body weight gain recorded in T3 group from sixth to eighth fortnight among three treatment groups and the total gain in body weight was significantly higher in the T3 group of lambs. Non-significant difference was observed for average daily gain (ADG), feed and dry matter intake (DMI) and carcass traits, but comparatively higher feed intake and DMI was observed in lambs reared on elevated plastic slatted floor (T3). It can be concluded that the overall body weight gain was significantly higher in lambs reared on elevated plastic slatted floor. Though statistically not significant, the higher ADG and DMI in lambs reared on elevated plastic slatted floor results in better returns, hence recommended for farmers adoption.

• Elevated plastic slatted floor gives greater comfort to the animals.

• Significantly higher (P<0.01) body weight gain recorded in stall fed growing Nellore brown ram lambs on elevated plastic slatted floor.