Pelleted Feeds with and without Antibiotics for Fattening Lambs

Two lamb feeding trials were conducted to determine if it paid to pellet rations and to study the value of antibiotics in fattening rations. Lambs fed pelleted rations gained slightly faster and more efficiently than those not fed pellets. However, grinding, mixing, and pelleting costs more than offset this advantage. Carcass yields were slightly higher for lambs fed pelleted rations (average of both trials). The carcass grade was about one-third of a standard grade lower. Results from adding 10 milligrams of aureomycin per pound of feed were not consistent for both trials. Aureomycin stimulated growth and increased feed efficiency in one trial. In the other there was a depression in rate of gain and in feed efficiency. This variability, similar to that reported by other workers, makes the use of aureomycin for thrifty lambs questionable. Carcass grade and yield were not significantly affected when aureomycin was added to the ration. Lambs fed rations of threefourths alfalfa hay and one-fourth shelled corn plus aureomycin gained faster and more efficiently than those fed half roughage and half concentrate. The carcass grade was lower, however