Inclusion of sugar beet pulp in cereal-based diets for fattening lambs
Bodas, R. | Giraldez, F.J. | Lopez, S. | Rodriguez, A.B. | Mantecon, A.R.
Eighteen Merino lambs were used to investigate the effects on feed intake, animal performance and ruminal fermentation and blood biochemistry parameters of the partial substitution of barley grain (12% of the concentrate) with sugar beet pulp (SBP) during the fattening period. Lambs (15.4 ± 0.14 kg initial weight) were fed concentrate and barley straw ad libitum and slaughtered at 25 kg body weight. Concentrate intake and live body-weight gain were greater (P < 0.05) in lambs fed control diet than those receiving SBP concentrate, whereas straw intake was not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by treatments. Partial substitution of barley with SBP in the concentrate gave significantly (P < 0.05) higher acetate molar proportions, and lower propionate molar proportions and total volatile fatty acid concentrations in the rumen contents. Ruminal pH was higher (P < 0.05) and osmolality lower (P < 0.05) in lambs receiving the SBP concentrate. Blood parameters (pH, CO2 pressure, base excess, bicarbonate and packed cell volume) were not affected by treatments. The inclusion of SBP in cereal-based diets for fattening lambs seems to enhance the ruminal environment and prevent ruminal acidosis, but has no positive effects on feed intake or animal performance.
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