F. L. Fluharty1, G. D. Lowe, and D. D. Clevenger
The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences
Seventy-two Rambouillet x Hampshire lambs (initial weight 115.6 ± 0.5 lb) were used in a randomized complete block experiment to determine the effects of alfalfa form and combinations on animal performance and carcass characteristics. Lambs consuming pelleted alfalfa had a 48.8% greater (P < 0.01) ADG compared with lambs consuming alfalfa haylage (0.61 versus 0.41 lb/day, respectively). There were no differences (P > 0.10) in feed efficiency or total DMI due to form of alfalfa. Lambs fed pelleted alfalfa had a greater (P < 0.05) dressing percentage compared to lambs fed alfalfa haylage. In feedlot situations, processed forages can be used to effectively produce large, lean lamb carcasses. Forage particle size and forage moisture content greatly affect dry matter intake and animal performance, even when the forage is one species of similar maturity. Days on feed and dressing percentage are both economically important criteria that differ due to form of forage even when feed efficiencies are similar. However, lamb marketings could be spread out over a longer period of time by altering the form of forage fed in forage-based feedlot situations.
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