F. L. Fluharty1,2
The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences
Two hundred thirty-four Columbia x Suffolk lambs (initial BW 105 ± 0.7 lb) were used in a randomized complete block experiment to determine the effects of alfalfa pellet and whole-shelled corn combinations on animal performance and carcass characteristics. When hay is not fed, receiving diets for lambs should contain no less than 40% ground, pelleted forage in order to prevent acidosis and depressed animal performance. There were linear (P < 0.001) increases in daily DMI from day 20 to the end of the experiment and in overall daily DMI (from day one until the end of the experiment) with increasing alfalfa concentration. However, there were linear (P < 0.001) decreases in feed efficiency (G/F) from day 20 to the end of the experiment and in overall G/F (from day one until the end of the experiment) with increasing alfalfa concentration. There was also a quadratic (P < 0.01) ADG response to alfalfa concentration, with the 60% alfalfa diet resulting in the greatest ADG. Optimal average daily gain, days on feed, loin-eye area, and carcass fat percentage occurred with diets containing whole-shelled corn and pelleted alfalfa combinations. Optimal feed efficiency occurred with the 0% alfalfa diet, however, the 0% alfalfa diet resulted in lamb carcasses with the most fat. Pelleted alfalfa and whole-shelled corn are more acceptable when fed in combination than are either feed source alone.
1 For more information, contact at: The Ohio State University,
Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 302 Pounden Hall, 1680 Madison
Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691, 330-263-2904, e-mail: fluharty.1@osu.edu
2 The author would like to acknowledge Ohio Blenders, Inc., 2404
Summit St., Toledo, OH 43611 for providing the alfalfa pellets.