The feeding value of reed straw in rations for growing lambs

Abstract EN

Two local Iraqi breeds of Iambs (16 Awassi and 16 Karadi) were used in a feeding trial to investigate the effect of substituting feed straw at 10, 20 and 30% for wheat straw as a roughage on performance, digestibility, health and carcass characterstics.

Feed intake and average daily gain did not vary among lambs fed different rations.

Feed efficiencies were 8.43, 9.75, 8.69 and 8.28 for rations contained 30% wheat straw and 10, 20 and 30% reed straw, respectively.

Crude fiber digestibility was slightly higher (35.76 Vs 32.18) while crude protein was lower (50.81 vs 66.52) for wheat straw (30%) and reed straw (30%) rations, respectively, but none of those were statistically signifi-eant.

Feeding reed straw instead of wheat straw did not affect dressing percentage, rib eye areas and fat thickness of the carcasses of the two breeds compared to the wheat straw ration.

This study revealed the possibility of substituting reed straw for w'heat straw and up to 30%