Pelleting of a Total Mixed Ration Affects Growth Performance of Fattening Lambs

Abstract

Feeding pelleted total mixed rations (TMR) instead of traditional loose concentrate plus forage to fattening lambs is an emerging practice. This study aimed to determine the effects of feeding pelleted TMR to fattening lambs on feed intake behaviour, growth performance, feed digestion, rumen fermentation characteristics, rumen microbial community, serum parameters, slaughter performance, meat quality, and the economic outcome. Two physical forms (pelleted vs. un-pelleted) of TMR composed of the same ingredients with the same particle sizes were compared in three animal experiments. Feed intake and average daily gain were higher when the TMR was pelleted, but apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients (organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, and ether extract) and serum parameters were not affected and apparent total tract dry matter digestibility was slightly lower. Feeding pelleted TMR increased total short-chain fatty acid concentration and decreased rumen pH. Rumen microbial community was not affected by the physical form of the TMR at phylum level but changed slightly at genus level. Liveweight at slaughter and hot carcass weight were higher for lambs fed the pelleted compared to the un-pelleted TMR, while dressing percentage and meat quality were not affected. In conclusion, feeding pelleted TMR improves growth performance of fattening lambs mainly due to an increase in feed intake. Feeding pelleted TMR is a feasible strategy for intensive lamb fattening operations.

Dietary Supplementation of Yeast Culture Into Pelleted Total Mixed Rations Improves the Growth Performance of Fattening Lambs

“…The dose of YC at the 5 g/kg diet was recommended by the YC producer. The proportion of corn at the 350 g/kg diet was recommended by researchers ( 23 ), and the high proportion (600 g corn/kg diet) is used by farmers in the region.…”

“…Feeding total mixed rations (TMR) has been popular due to its advantages of providing balanced nutrients in the diet, the relatively stable rumen environment, reduced feed sorting, and better animal performance in dairy cows (15). TMR feeding has been further developed by pelleting the TMR and fed to cattle (16)(17)(18) and sheep (19)(20)(21)(22)(23). Feeding of a pelleted TMR results in almost no feed selection by animals, non-palatable ingredients can be included in the diet, minimisation of feed loss during storage and feeding, and improved ease of feeding management and labour efficiency (11).…”

Mucosal Microbiota and Metabolome in the Ileum of Hu Sheep Offered a Low-Grain, Pelleted or Non-pelleted High-Grain Diet

“…With the development of lamb breeding programs with increased productivity, feeding of the animals with pelleted concentrates has been promoted and implemented in many modern fattening systems ( Islam et al, 2017 ). Recently, accumulating evidence has indicated that the application of pelleted concentrates is an effective method to avoid selective eating, reduce nutrition wastage during storage and feeding, save labor, and increase rearing profitability ( Blanco et al, 2015 ; Zhong et al, 2018 ; Li et al, 2021b ). Previous studies have demonstrated that pelleted HG diets improve rumen fermentation and amplify the use of simple sugars by rumen microbiota ( Trabi et al, 2019 ), although information regarding the impact of pelleted HG diets on the small intestine is limited.…”

Crop Residue Based Complete Feed for Enhancing Livestock Performance- A Review

“…Comparative growth performance study in goats and lambs on feeding crop residue-based complete mash Vs complete pellet feed was studied by Li et al, [6]. Final body weight (Kg), ADG(g/d) and daily feed intake (Kg DM) was significantly higher and feed to gain ratio was better in goats and lambs fed pelleted crop residue based complete feed than complete mash feed.…”