Growth and carcass characteristics of Afar lambs at two concentrate levels supplementation and slaughter weights fed Tef Straw Basal Diet

Abstract

An experiment arranged in 2×2 factorial was carried out to evaluate the effect of concentrate levels, targeted live weights, and their interaction on live and carcass performance of Afar lambs.  Forty yearling lambs were divided into 5 groups; one group was slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment and the other groups were randomly assigned to four treatments. Significantly (P≤0.05) higher dry matter intake DMI (740.38 g) was noted for lambs assigned to a higher (500 g) concentrate supplemented groups than 688.03 g recorded for lower (300 g) concentrate supplemented categories. Lambs finished for 30 kg live weight took longer (P≤0.001) feeding days (180) than the group targeted 30 kg slaughter body weight, which lapsed 91 days. Animals allotted to 500 g concentrate feed supplementation showed higher (P≤ 0.001) DWG (112.6 g) and FCE (0.15) than 300 g supplemented groups. The effect of concentrate levels and targeted body weights were significant on the majority parameters measured. It could be concluded that 500 g concentrate feed supplement and 30 kg target slaughter weight (T3) is the best strategy to finish yearling Afar lambs in 70 days of feeding for improved performance and economic of feeding.  Key words: Afar sheep, carcass, concentrate, slaughter weight, Tef straw.