Effect of Varying Ruminally Degradable to Ruminally Undegradable Protein Ratios on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Crossbred Male Lambs

The influence of three levels of varying ruminally degradable to ruminally undegradable protein ratio 60: 40 (A), 65:35 (B) and 70: 30(C) on performance and carcass characteristics zel-sangssari male lambs was investigated. Twenty four lambs aged 6-7 months with an initial live weight of 29±2.5 kg were used. The animals were fed for a period of 95 days. The level of metabolisable energy was similar in all the rations (10.5 MJ/KgDM). Dry matter intake (DMI) was measured daily and live weight gain (LWG) was determined fortnightly. At the end of the trial, 50 percent of the animal were slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics quality. The data were statistically analyzed using completely randomized design with 3 diets (n=8). Mean values for the performance of the lambs for A, B and C rations were determine as follows: DMI 1.480, 1.510 and 1.500 Kg/day, LWG 173.2, 200.8 and 210.4 g/day, feed conversion efficiency 8.54, 7.39 and 7.58. There was not significant difference for the whole carcass weight, lean and fat percentage. In conclusion, the optimum performances of zel- sangssari male lambs were met with the ration containing 35% RUP.