The potential use of layer litter in Awassi lambs’ diet: It’s effects on nutrient intake, digestibility, N balance, and growth performance

•Layer litter was fed to Awassi ram lambs at levels of 0, 150, and 300 g/kg.•Lambs fed layer litter at level 150 g/kg had improved growth performance.•Cost of production was reduced in lambs fed layer litter containing diets compared to the control diet.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding layer hen litter (LL) at various levels on nutrient intake, digestibility, N balance and growth performance of Awassi ram lambs. Forty two Awassi lambs [initial body weight (BW) = 20.5 ± 0.88 kg; age 70 ± 2.02 days] were randomly assigned to three isonitogenous fattening diets for 75 days. The LL was included in the diets at 0 (LL0; n = 14), 150 g/kg (LL150; n = 14), and 300 g/kg (LL300; n = 14) of dietary dry matter (DM) to replace part of the soybean meal and barley grain. On day 50 of the fattening period, 6 animals from each group were randomly selected and housed individually in metabolism crates (1.05 × 0.80 m) to evaluate nutrient digestibility and N balance. Intake of DM (DMI) was greater (P < 0.05) for LL150 diet than for LL0 diet, whereas LL300 diet was intermediate. Intake of organic matter and crude protein was similar among diets. Neutral detergent fiber and copper intake were the highest for lambs fed LL300 diet followed by LL150 diets and LL0 diets. Acid detergent fiber intake was greater (P < 0.05) for lambs fed LL diets compared to LL0 diet. No significant differences were observed in nutrient digestibilities among treatments. The N retention was greater (P < 0.05) in lambs fed LL150 diet than in lambs fed LL0 diet, whereas LL300 diet was intermediate. Final BW and average daily gain (ADG) were greatest (P < 0.05) in lambs fed LL150 diet. Feed efficiency (ADG:DMI) was improved in lambs fed the LL150 diet compared to LL0 diet. Cost of gain was lower (P < 0.05) for diets containing LL than the LL0 diet. Feeding Awassi lambs finishing diets containing layer hen litter at 150 g/kg improved growth performance and lowered the cost of production.