Effect of feeding different creep mixtures along with milk replacer on growth performance, nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation in pre weaner lambs

AbstractThis experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding creep mixtures varying in protein and energy concentration on growth and nutrient utilization of lambs. Thirty-nine, 15 day old lambs of Malpura breed having eight male and five females in each group were randomly divided into three groups. All these lambs were fed liquid milk formula at the standardized rate and the ewes were stripped their milk once in the evening before allowing the lambs to suckle. Lambs in control (CM-1) were fed conventional concentrate whereas in test one (CM-2) nine percent soya flakes and in test two (CM-3) twelve percent roasted soybean respectively were added as a replacement of maize. Protein content was higher in CM-2 whereas in CM-3 both protein and energy content were higher than CM-1. Lower intake of concentrate as well as total dry matter intake was observed in roasted soybean added CM-3 however, it resulted in higher (P<0.05) energy intake due to higher (P<0.05) digestibility of organic matter than other two groups. Rumen fermentation parameters at 90 days of age revealed higher (P<0.05) total VFA production along with higher proportion of propionic acid in lambs fed CM-3 creep mixture. Growth performance revealed higher (P<0.05) weight gain and better (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio in lambs fed CM-3 than CM-2 and CM-1 groups. It can be concluded that in pre- weaning lamb rations having 10-12 percent roasted soybean yielding 18-19 percent good quality protein and 4-5 percent ether extract give higher performance and can be recommended in pre weaning ration.