Production performance of lambs on milk replacer during pre-weaning followed by post-weaning linseed and calcium soap supplementation

Thirty-six male Malpura lambs (14 d old) were taken to assess the effect of milk replacer (MR) during preweaning followed by linseed and calcium soap (Ca-soap) supplementation post weaning on lamb performance. The lambs in control group were allowed free suckling of dam and were offered ad lib concentrate, dry cowpea hay and fresh Ardu (Ailanthus excelsa) leaves during pre-weaning period. The lambs in other two experimental groups, viz. MRg-Linseed and MRng-Ca-soap were offered additional gelatinized and non-gelatinized MR, respectively. Prior to blending, the MR was boiled for five minutes to make the carbohydrate moiety gelatinized. The lambs were individually bottle fed with liquid MR after blending with warm water (42 °C). During post weaning, lambs in control group were offered ad libitum control ration whereas the test groups were fed crushed linseed (MRg-Linseed) and Ca-soap (MRng-Ca-soap) supplemented ration. Plane of nutrition revealed higher (P < 0.05) DM, DCP and ME intake in test groups during pre- and post-weaning periods. Digestibility of nutrients was similar during pre-weaning whereas during post-weaning, digestibility of CP was higher (P < 0.05) and that of NDF and ADF was lower (P < 0.05) in MRg-Linseed compared to control. Proportion of propionic and butyric acids was higher (P < 0.05) and population of protozoa was lower (P < 0.05) in MRg-Linseed and MRng-Ca-soap group as compared to control. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio was higher (P < 0.05) in MRg-Linseed and MRng-Ca-soap as compared to control during both pre- and post-weaning periods with an overall 16.3 and 12.2% improvement in weight gain and 7.5% higher efficiency in FCR, respectively. Carcass attributes revealed low (P < 0.05) intermuscular fat and shear force value in MRg-Linseed and MRng-Ca-soap. Wool production and staple length was higher (P < 0.05) in MRg-Linseed and MRng-Ca-soap groups compared to control. It may thus be concluded that milk replacer during pre-weaning and energy supplements in the form of crushed linseed and Ca-soap during post-weaning would be considered as a useful strategy for achieving higher body weight with better carcass and wool quality.