Abstract:
Four low cost feed samples were formulated using 0, 25,
50 and 75% levels of broiler litter processed into feed along with other
feed ingredients. All the animals were dewormed using Ivermectin and
dipped against ticks and fleas using diazintol. Estrus was artificially
synchronized in all the animals using Prostaglandin 2F-alpha, the animals
were mated with rams of known fertility and lineage bred. They were
evaluated in a pregnancy and pre-weaning growth trial. All the ewes were
weighed before pregnancy and bi-monthly thereafter until parturition. The
parameters studied were weights before and after parturition, weight gain
in pregnancy, weight changes in lactation and nursing, lambs birth weights
and daily weight of lambs, dam`s weight at weaning and gestation length.
It was observed that weight at mating, weight before mating, weight at
parturition, gestation length, weight gain in pregnancy, weight change in
lactation and nursing, lambs birth weights and daily weight gain of lambs
were significantly affected (p<0.05) while dam`s weight at weaning and
lambs` weaning weight were not affected (p>0.05). Results of this study
indicate that inclusion of broiler litter up to 50% in feed mixtures of
ewes has no deleterious effect on the performance and health status of
ewes during pregnancy and lactation.
T.O. Ososanya, J.A. Odedire and M.O. Oyeyemi, 2007. Performance Assessment of Pregnant Ewes Fed Broiler Litter as Feed Supplement. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 6: 701-704.
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