Use of different nitrogen sources in the fattening of yearling sheep

Average daily gain of 96.7, 87.5, 76.3, and 72.9 g per day for SFSC, SSC, CSC, and GNC, respectively, showed that SFSC had the best gain (P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio was higher (P<0.05) with CSC and GNC rations than SSC and SFSC. Ruminal VFAs and ammonia N concentrations were the highest (P<0.05) with CSC compared to the other rations either before or post-feeding. Ruminal pH or BUN level were not affected by the different N sources imposed. Lipid digestion was reduced (P<0.05) with the GNC ration while N retention was reduced (P<0.05) with the SSC ration. Provision of different N sources using different oil seed cakes in the ration of yearling sheep showed that owners' preference of CSC and GNC-SSC and SFSC cakes could be related to the better conversion ratios obtained by the two former oil cakes.