Blood profiles of thin-tailed lambs fed different levels and sources of protein

Abstract

Abstract This study assessed protein utilization in Thin-Tailed lambs. A total of 20 lambs (13.03 ± 2.30 kg) were allotted using 2×2 factorial arrangement. The first factor was protein levels of the ration (13 and 15%); whereas second factor was source of the protein ration (fishmeal and soybean meal). All lambs were kept in individual compartments. Increasing blood glucose occurs up to 8 hours after feeding and the peak of urea nitrogen levels were found on 4 hours after feeding. An interaction occurred (P<0.05) between protein level and source on blood glucose levels at 6 hours and nitrogen urea at 2 hours after feeding. Protein levels affected (P<0.05) glucose blood at 4 hours and affected nitrogen level at 2 and 4 hours. Lambs fed 13% has lower blood glucose and urea nitrogen than 15%. Protein sources affected (P<0.05) blood glucose at 4 and 8 hours and nitrogen at 0, 2, 4 and 8 hours. Lambs fed soybean meal has lower blood glucose and higher urea nitrogen than fishmeal. It was concluded that 13% protein levels with fishmeal was more efficient in the digestive system as indicated by blood glucose and urea nirogen.