Performance of Sudan Desert Sheep Fed Different Nitrogen Levels in Molasses-based Fattening Rations

Abstract

Twenty-four yearling uncastrated males of Sudan desert sheep
(Hamari ecotype), ranging in weight between 26 and 30 kg, were used in
a completely randomized design with the objective of studying the effect
of feeding different nitrogen levels (14.5%, 16.7% and 18.7% crude
protein) in complete isocaloric molasses-based fattening diets on sheep
performance, some rumen metabolites (ammonia nitrogen) and blood urea
nitrogen. There was no significant treatment effect on average final
weight, average daily gain, daily dry matter intake, daily water intake or
feed conversion ratio. There was a tendency of increased growth rate and
dry matter intake with the increase of nitrogen level. The best feed
conversion ratio was found at 14.5% crude protein, whereas 16.7% crude
protein exhibited the least. There was a significant (P<0.05) treatment
effect on rumen pH when samples were taken before feeding. Treatment
had no significant effect on ammonia nitrogen or blood urea nitrogen
when samples were taken before and six hours after feeding. However,
treatment failed also to induce a significant (P<0.05) effect on ammonia
nitrogen three hours after feeding.