Evaluation of dried and ensiled artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) by-product as a feed for growing sheep [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Eighteen Barki lambs with average body weight of 20 kg were divided into three similar groups. Lambs in the first group were fed ration consisted of concentrate feed mixture {CFM), berseem hay (BH) as a control ration, while those in the second group were fed CFM and dried artichoke by-product (DAB) and those in the third group were fed CFM and ensiled artichoke by-product (SAB). Ensiled artichoke by-product contained higher contents of CP. EE and ash and lower OM. NDF, ADF and ADL as compared to DAB. The digestibilities of DM. OM. CPo EE. CF and NFE as well as nutritive values were significantly higher (P<O.05) for SAB compared to DAB. Control ration (RI) had lower OM, CP and NFE, but higher CF and ash contents compared to R2 and R3 containing DAB and SAB, respectively. Ration 3 showed the highest digestbilities ofDM, OM, CP, EE and NFE and subsequently nutritive values (P<0.05). However, Rl showed the lowest DM, OM and EE digestibilites (P<0.05). While, R2 revealed the lowest CP and NFE digestibilities (P<0.05). Ruminal liquor from lambs fed R1 showed the highest pH value and NH,-N concentration and the lowest TVFA's concentration in rumen fluid (P<0.05). While, lambs fed R3 showed the highest ruminal TVFA's concentration and the lowest rumina! pH value (P<0.05) and those fed R2 showed the lowest concentration ofNH,-N in rumen liquor. The DM intake was nearly similar for the different treatments. Lambs fed R3 showed the highest intake of roN, DE and DCP, followed by those fed RI. while those fed R2 had the lowest intake. Lambs fed R1 and R3 showed significantly higher body weight gain than those fed R2. Lambs fed R2 showed the poorest feed conversion compared to those fed R 1 and R3. Daily feed cost as wel1 as feed cost per kg body weight gain was significamly (P<0.05) lower, white economic efficiency was significantly (P<0.05) higher for lambs fed R1 and R3 compared to those fed RI.

Summary in Arabic.

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