Growth Performance of Pre-weaning Lambs Given Starter Feed Containing <i>Indigofera zollingeriana</i> Leaf Meal

Abstract The survival rate of pre-weaned lamb is often low, mainly due to inadequate nutrition from maternal milk. To enhance lamb survival, it is essential to supplement maternal milk with a starter (creep) feed. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of creep feed supplementation containing Indigofera zollingeriana (Iz) leaf meal on lamb growth and survival. Eighteen lambs and their mothers were divided into three groups: (1) a control group (K), which relied solely on maternal milk, (2) creep feeding without Iz (KK); and (3) creep feeding with Iz (KKI). Parameters measured included the chemical composition of the diets, lamb weight gain and milk production. The protein content of the starter feeds was 34.8% for KK and 34.2% for KKI. Lambs in KKI group gained significantly more weight (11.13 ±2.43 kg) compared to KK (9.24 ± 2.17 kg) and K (7.59 ± 1.31 kg). Mortality rates were 0% for KKI and KK, with one lamb mortality recorded in the K group. Milk production up to 8 th week experiment was highest in the KK (533±361.5g/d) followed by KKI (363±166.99 g/d) and K (239±70.0g/d). The results indicate that Indigofera leaf meal in starter feed promotes better sustainable growth and survival of pre-weaned lambs.