Abstract

This study was undertaken with the aim to determine the supplementary value of Beresa-55 and Gebisa-17 cultivars and concentrate mixture to a basal diet of natural pasture hay based on growth performance, feed utilization, digestibility and net return of Horro sheep. A total of twenty five yearlings Horro sheep were stratified into five groups based on initial body weight in randomized complete block design and animals were assigned to the dietary treatments randomly: (T1) (Control): ad-lib natural grass + concentrate mixture at 2% BW, (T2): ad-lib natural grass + Gebisa-17cultivar at 1.5% BW, (T3): ad-lib natural grass + Gebisa-17 cultivar at 2% BW, (T4): ad-lib natural grass + Beresa-55 cultivar at 1.5% BW and (T5): ad-lib natural grass + Beresa-55 cultivar at 2% BW. Basal hay DM intake was relatively higher in T2 and T4, while total DM and CP intake was higher in T1 and T5. Similarly, significantly higher digestibility of DM, CP and organic matter (OM) was obtained in T1 and T5. Dietary treatments also significantly (P<0.01) influenced the weight gain of lambs. Lambs in T1 and T5 had shown better (P>0.01) weight gain and enhanced comparable growth performance than in the other treatments. However, partial budget analysis indicates that, T5 is more profitable and thus, can be used as a priority supplement in feeding of Horro sheep.

Key words: Horro sheep, Lablab purpureus, weight gain, digestibility, feed intake.