Feeding of suckler ewes with straw based rations. Effect of nitrogen supplementation

Abstract

The use of straw based rations by suckler ewes of the Sardi breed was evaluated according to the nitrogen supplement type (nitrogen from urea treated straw, urea, sunflower seed meal). The daily dry matter (DM) intake was significantly higher (P < 0.01) with sunflower seed meal. All the ewes retained the same weight profile. However, a higher weight gain was observed between days 10-30 in lambs whose dams were given sunflower seed meal compared to those who were supplemented with no protein nitrogen. Differences in weight gain therefore might result from a higher DM intake with sunflower seed meal rations by the suckler ewes. Feed costs per kilogram of produced meat were not significantly different for the three diets.