Investigating the effect of fodder beet on performance, carcass traits and blood parameters of fattening male lambs

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of fodder beet on performance, carcass traits and blood parameters of fattening male lambs. 32 fattening male lambs with an initial weight of 28.05 ± 0.25 kg by using a completely randomized block design with four treatments and four blocks for 84 days were fed with experimental diets including control (zero), 10, 20 and 30% fodder beet with the ratio 60% of the concentrate and 40% of the fodder as total mixed ration twice a day. During the experiment period, there was no significant difference in the weight of the lambs among the control group and the groups in which different levels of fodder beet were used in their diets. There was no significant difference in average daily gain among all groups except for the lambs fed with 20% fodder beet diet. In the group that received 30% fodder beet, the feed intake (DM/d) was the lowest compared to other groups (P<0.05). No significant difference in the feed conversion ratio among the experimental groups was observed. There was no difference in slaughter weight, empty-body weight, hot and cold carcass weight, carcass traits and carcass dressing percentage of lambs among different groups (P>0.05). The experimental treatments had no effect on the biochemical characteristics of lambs blood, but fodder beet intake increased blood hemoglobin (P<0.05). Based on the results, fodder beet up to 30% could be used in fattening lamb diets without negative effect on performance, carcass characteristics and blood parameters.