Effect of protein supplement on growth and blood parameters of native lamb

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of protein supplement (soybean meal and wheat bran) on the growth performance and blood parameters of native lamb. A total number of twelve indigenous lambs aged 10 months were randomly distributed into four dietary groups having 3 replications. First group (T1) was fed control diet, second group (T2) was provided 50 g protein supplement + green grass, third group (T3) was provided 75 g protein supplement + green grass and fourth group (T4) was fed 100 g protein supplement + green grass. The results showed that body weight gain was similarly significantly higher (P<0.01) in T3 and T4 though T3 animals were provided lower amount protein supplement than T4 animals. Significantly improved body length (P<0.01) was found in T4. Heart girth value was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T3 group. Glucose level of blood was found non-significant. Total protein and albumin were observed significantly (P<0.01) higher in T4 group and lower in T1 group. Results reveal that blood urea and blood nitrogen were statistically higher in T4 and lower in T1. Blood urea and blood nitrogen were found to increase gradually among the treatment groups starting from T1 to T4. It can be concluded that the supplementation of protein along with grazing in the diet had positive effects on growth performance and blood profile status. Protein supplement to the diet in the amount of 75g can be very effective to better growth performance of lamb by remaining the blood urea nitrogen (7-20 mg/dL) and other blood parameters in their normal range.