Feed intake, body weight gain and growth efficiency in growing sheep after a feed quality restriction period of 3 months

摘要

Livestock production systems in Iran, like in most parts of the world, mainly depend on natural vegetation of range and farm lands. Feed availability fluctuates throughout the season and as a consequence, animals have to cope with a periodical restriction in quality and quantity of feed. Lambs are born in spring, while weaning is towards the warm and dry season when the quality of the grass has gradually decreased to a level not sufficient for the immature animal to allow its full genetic potential for growth. Moreover, supplements are scarce and expensive, and preferably used for monogastric animals, i.e. poultry. In such a livestock production system, there may be scope for compensatory growth in the subsequent wet season with improved feed quality.