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Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences

Year: 2003 | Volume: 6 | Issue: 2 | Page No.: 115-121
DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2003.115.121
Economic Benefits of Flushing and Supplemental Feeding of Salt-range Ewes on Pothwar Ranges of Pakistan
M. Rafiq, M. F. Khan and K. M. Aujla

Abstract: A supplemental feeding trial was conducted on yearly Salt-range ewes with a bodyweight of 26 -28 kg. Ewes grazed on a pasture dominated by Heteropogon contortus, Dicanthium annulatum, Bothriochilora ishaeum and Artistida cyananthes species of grasses. Chemical analysis showed that plant biomass contained more crude fibre (32+2.5 to 34+2.5) and less crude protein (3+1.5 to 6+1.7%) throughout the year. Dry matter percentage (air dry basis) remained almost the same (92+1.0). Supplement contained crude protein 16 and TDN 75%, respectively. Analysis of variance revealed that ewes at mating had lost 10-15% of initial bodyweight. However they gained bodyweight during late pregnancy with highest among ewes flushed and supplemented at CONTHS. During lactation ewes given supplement at CONTHS (74+40) rate gained more weight (P<0.05) than CONTLS (44+32 g/day). Ewes with CONT treatment lost bodyweight at a rate of 6 g/day through out the lactation. Fertility rate expressed as percentage of ewes conceived per group was 66.6 percent under CONT treatment, significantly lower (P<0.01) than 100% recorded under CONTLS and CONTHS treatments. Lambing percentage was almost 100% with 7% abortion in CONTLS supplemented ewes. Survival rate among lambs across the treatments was 100%. Lambs born to ewes flushed and supplemented at CONTHS (3.15+0.8 and 9.0+2.4 kg) excelled (P<0.05) to those under CONTLS (2.91+0.53 and 8.37+1.5) or without any treatment (2.6+0.5 and 7.65+1.7 kg) at birth and weaning at 45 days of lactation. Lambs suckling to ewes with CONTHS (131+48 g/day) also grew faster during lactation than CONT (112+41) but similar to those (131+48) of CONTLS. This will generate a reliable information which can be extended to farmers in interior Pothwar region.

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How to cite this article
M. Rafiq, M. F. Khan and K. M. Aujla, 2003. Economic Benefits of Flushing and Supplemental Feeding of Salt-range Ewes on Pothwar Ranges of Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 6: 115-121.

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