The effect of barley-sorghum grain processing and form of concentrate mixture on the performance of lambs, kids and calves

Diet selection by growing lambs offered whole barley and a protein supplement, free choice: Effects on performance and digestion

“…The results from Experiments 1 and 2 confirmed that lambs are able to utilize whole barley grain efficiently without adverse effect on intake, daily weight gain and digestibility in agreement with previous findings (Fraser and Ørskov, 1974;Economides et al, 1990;Castrillo et al, 1989). As previously reported (Ørskov et al, 1974a;Castrillo et al, 1989) lambs consuming whole barley plus protein supplement at choice show higher rumen pH and digestibility, particularly of NDF, than those on the pelleted compound feed.…”

“…The higher response in daily gain of males compared with females to choice or mixed feeding in Experiment 1 (treatments CH and M) seems to confirm this fact, in agreement with a similar finding by Economides et al (1990). In a cafeteria assay with three-month old male lambs, Sahin et al (2003) found a decreased pattern of protein intake with age, also suggesting selective intake according to requirements.…”

“…Whole barley grain has been successfully used in fattening lambs when given in a loose mixture with a pelleted supplement providing protein, minerals and vitamins (Fraser and Ørskov, 1974;Economides et al, 1990). Apart from reducing the cost of feed manufacturing, the slower rate of fermentation of unprocessed grain in the rumen (Koenig et al, 2003) and the increase in rumination time avoid acidosis, fat softening (Ørskov et al, 1974a;Cazes et al, 1990) and rumenitis (Ørskov, 1973) without negative effects on lamb performance (Economides et al, 1990;Hadjipanayiotou, 1990).…”

“…Apart from reducing the cost of feed manufacturing, the slower rate of fermentation of unprocessed grain in the rumen (Koenig et al, 2003) and the increase in rumination time avoid acidosis, fat softening (Ørskov et al, 1974a;Cazes et al, 1990) and rumenitis (Ørskov, 1973) without negative effects on lamb performance (Economides et al, 1990;Hadjipanayiotou, 1990). This effect could avoid the need for supplementary roughage to prevent digestive disorders, resulting in higher energy diets and improved lamb performance and feed conversion ratio (Castrillo et al, 1989).…”

Meat Quality and Fatty Acid Composition of Chios Male Lambs Fed Under Traditional and Intensive Conditions

“…These approaches include methods of lamb fattening within the extensive production system, performed according to regional conditions that can also be called "traditional" or "local" conditions. Non-breeding male Chios lambs commonly raised in Ege Region reach slaughter weight in early ages under intensive feeding conditions (Economides et al, 1990;Altınel et al, 1998, Zervas et al, 1999. However for healthier meat production with sensory attributes based on the changing consumer demands, producers prefer traditional feeding methods in animal production (Oliván et al, 2009).…”