Growth performance of lambs fed on diets varying in concentrate and wheat straw

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of wheat straw level on growth performance and carcass parameter of lambs fed high concentrate diets. Thirty-six Awassi lambs (17.9 ± 1 kg) were randomly assigned to four experimental high concentrate diets with various wheat straw levels in a completely randomized design for 58 days. The experimental diets were isonitrogenous (16% CP) and contained 0, 5, 10 and 15% wheat straw. Results gained indicated that intake of dry matter; crude protein and metabolizable energy of the high wheat straw diets (10 and 15%) were similar (P > 0.05) and significantly higher (P < 0.05) than low wheat straw diets (0 and 5%). Final body weight, total weight gain, daily weight gain and feed efficiency of the high wheat straw diets were significantly (P < 0.05) better than low wheat straw diets. Furthermore, the carcass parameters of the high wheat straw diets were significantly (P < 0.05) superior to low wheat straw diets. In conclusion therefore, it may be recommended that high concentrate diets for Awassi lambs should contain at least 10% wheat straw for good growth performance and carcass quality.