Diet Selection in Finishing Lambs

Abstract

Summary In a total mixed ration (TMR) feeding system, lambs, as well as other animals, tend to exhibit dietary preferences. The purpose of this paper is to examine differences in the feed selection behavior between lambs previously accustomed to TMR feeding and lambs newly introduced to TMR diets. A total of eight male Suffolk lambs were allocated to two groups of four each. Both groups received the same feed formulation. The roughage portion of the diet consisted of alfalfa hay, whereas the concentrate portion included a concentrate mixture for finishing lambs. One group of lambs was fed total mixed rations containing 30% alfalfa hay and 70% pelleted concentrate. The other group received alfalfa hay and concentrate rations separately as single diets. Diet selection measurements were performed after four weeks of the experimental feeding regime. The results obtained indicate a clear preference of both groups for concentrate (112±5% and 110±6% respectively) over alfalfa hay (72±11% and 77±14% respectively). Significant differences were recorded in the duration of feeding time. The lambs accustomed to TMR feeding consumed 400 g of TMR for 18±1 minutes, whereas the lambs newly introduced to TMR diets required 154±88 minutes for the same allotment. Moreover, the lambs starting on a TMR diet were found to consume feed markedly slower, although their diet selection proved equally successful compared to the lambs accustomed to TMR feeding.