Feedlot performance of Sudanese desert lambs fed with mash or pelleted diet of varying energy levels

This experiment was conducted using 18 Sudan desert ram lambs (22 ± 5.7 kg) to examine the effects of feeding with diets of different energy levels and physical forms on feedlot performance. These lambs were randomly divided into three feed groups of six animals each in a completely randomized design (CRD). Following an acclimatization period of three weeks, three experimental diets were offered, each for one group. High Energy Pellets (HEP) and High Energy Mash (HEM) diets (10.50 MJME/kg DM) of a pelleted and mash form, respectively and Low Energy Diets (LEP) was a pelleted and low energy diet (8.5 MJME/kg DM). The experiment continued for all diets to an average 40 kg live weight lamb. Results revealed lower Dry Matter Intake (DMI) (P > 0.001), improved Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) (P < 0.01) and higher Average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.01) for the high energy groups compared to the low energy diet group. No significant (P > 0.05) differences were observed due to pelleting between the two higher energy groups. No significant (P > 0.05) differences were observed among treatment groups in the Metabolizable Energy (ME) required to put a unit of body weight gain