Feedlot Performance of Weaner Lambs on Conventional and Non Conventional Total Mixed Ration Wadhwani K.N., Parnerkar S., Saiyed L.H., Patel A.M. College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388 001, India. Abstract Twenty one Marwari, Patanwadi and Merino X Patanwadi weaner lambs (12.40 to 14.68 kg) were randomly divided into three dietary treatments on body weight basis viz T1: TMR I-Conventional group (Maize- 22%, Ground nut cake- 15%, Rice polish- 15%, molasses- 10%, mineral mixture-3% and urea treated wheat straw- 35%), T2: TMR-II supplemented non conventional group I (Azolla10%, P J Pods -15%, Corn steep liquor -12%, Rice Polish- 10%, G N Cake- 5%, molasses- 10%, mineral mixture-3% and urea treated wheat straw- 35%) and T3: TMR-III supplemented non conventional group II (Azolla-20%, P J Pods -17%, Corn steep liquor -15%, molasses- 10%, mineral mixture-3% and urea treated wheat straw- 35%). The average final body weight at the end of the experiment was recorded 25.24 ± 1.96, 23.51 ± 1.36 and 21.07 ± 1.12 kg in TMR-I, TMR-II and TMR-III, respectively. The treatment groups did not differ from each other. The body weight gain and body measurements were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the treatments. The dry matter intake (kg/head) during the entire experimental period was recorded 85.37 ± 19.10, 90.86 ± 4.30 and 81.02 ± 6.09 in TMR-I, TMR-II and TMR-III which differed (P<0.05) significantly. The DM and CP digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) affected by the treatments. The digestible crude protein (DCP) and total digestible nutrient (TDN) intake/head under TMR-I, TMR-II and TMR-III group did not differ from each other. The estimated total feed cost (Rs./animal) for experimental lambs was the lowest (P<0.05) in TMR-III (256.96 ± 16.42) followed by TMR-II (352.50 ± 22.06) and TMR-I (623.55). The return as percent of feed cost and feed cost Rs./kg dressed weight were 150.12 ± 2.46 and 67.01 ± 0.86, 198.59 ± 6.44 and 52.46 ± 1.64 and 213.57 ± 9.31and 51.04 in TMR-I, TMR-II and TMR-III, respectively which is the reflection of significantly (P<0.05) lower total feed cost incurred in non conventional groups. Lambs fed non conventional based TMR had similar live weights as those fed conventional TMR but costed less to achieve those weights. Top Key words Azolla, P.J. Pods, Corn steep liquor, Weaner lambs. Top |