The effect of heat load on nutrient utilization and blood parameters of Awassi ram lambs fed different types and levels of forages

• DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2005.02.017
• Publication Date: 2005-04-20T07:28:51Z
• Authors: N. Denek; A. Can; S. Tufenk; K. Yazgan; H. Ipek; M. Iriadam
• Keywords: 2. Zero hunger; 0402 animal and dairy science; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences

Abstract This study was carried out to determine the season effect (heat load) on nutrient utilization and blood-rumen parameters of Awassi ram lambs fed different levels and types of forages. Total sixteen 2-year-old Awassi ram lambs (44.3 ± 1.5 kg) for each apparent digestion trials were used as experimental animals. Experiment was arranged in 2 × 2 × 2 factorial in which season (summer versus fall), forage type (wheat straw versus alfalfa hay), and forage level (30% versus 70%) were the main effects to be investigated. Season and forage type did not affect dry matter intake (DMI) of ram lambs. Changing forage level from 70 to 30% increased DMI of ram lambs (P 0.05). Serum Cl concentrations were changed by forage level (P 0.05). Effect of season (heat load) in this study was lower than expected probably due to low level of humidity.