Inclusion of sugar beet pulp in cereal-based diets for fattening lambs

Eighteen Merino lambs were used to investigate the effects on feed intake, animal performance and ruminal fermentation and blood biochemistry parameters of the partial substitution of barley grain (12% of the concentrate) with sugar beet pulp (SBP) during the fattening period. Lambs (15.4 ± 0.14 kg initial weight) were fed concentrate and barley straw ad libitum and slaughtered at 25 kg body weight. Concentrate intake and live body-weight gain were greater (P < 0.05) in lambs fed control diet than those receiving SBP concentrate, whereas straw intake was not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by treatments. Partial substitution of barley with SBP in the concentrate gave significantly (P < 0.05) higher acetate molar proportions, and lower propionate molar proportions and total volatile fatty acid concentrations in the rumen contents. Ruminal pH was higher (P < 0.05) and osmolality lower (P < 0.05) in lambs receiving the SBP concentrate. Blood parameters (pH, CO2 pressure, base excess, bicarbonate and packed cell volume) were not affected by treatments. The inclusion of SBP in cereal-based diets for fattening lambs seems to enhance the ruminal environment and prevent ruminal acidosis, but has no positive effects on feed intake or animal performance.