Page 51 - Effects of dried citrus pulp on nutrient intake, nitrogen balance and growth performance in Lohi lambs

Animal Management

The study was arranged with the collaboration of Livestock Production Research
Institute (LPRI), Bahadarnagar, Okara. Forty male Lohi lambs having approximately 4-5

months of age and 16-30 kg of body weight were selected from LES Bahadarnagar, Okara
and then shifted to Animal Nutrition Section, LPRI Bahadarnagar Okara. All the lambs

were weighed at day zero (first day after shifting) before morning feeding. Animals were

randomly distributed into four blocks, 10 animals in each. Animals of every block had a
different color mark on head for easy identification. The color scheme used was in this way,

10, 20, 30 and 40% were colored red, yellow, green and orange respectively. Animals were
dewormed against endo and ecto parasites before the start of the experiment.

Animals were given a 21 days adaptation period to introduce feed, environment,

housing and grouping. Animal were kept on a concrete floor containing 30% shady and
70% open area. Groups of animals were separated using bamboo partitioning. Animals

were fed ad libitum. Forage to concentrate ratio was 70:30. Fresh water availability was
ensured round the clock. Animal were weighed after every 15 days before the morning

feeding.

Digestibility trials were conducted to evaluate effect of inclusion level of dried

citrus pulp on feed efficiency by total collection method. Three animals from each group

were randomly selected and housed in metabolic pens individually. Each metabolic pen
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was made up of iron rods and pipes having 3.5×4.5 ft area. An elevated wooden floor was
attached to the pens to prevent soil contamination of feces. A rubber sheet was spread on
the wooden floor for the collection of feces and urine. Metabolic pens were kept with a

tilted backside for the easy collection of urine.

Data collection

Animals were given adaptation period for metabolic pen’s environment. They were

offered a measured quantity of feed and water while, feed comprised 30% fodder and 70%
concentrate on DM basis. Feces were collected just after the defection and stored in the

polythene bags to prevent moisture loss in air. After 24 hour, collected feces were mixed
thoroughly and 10% of the fecal weight was preserved for making composite sample while

others were discarded. The urine excreted by each animal was acidified with 50% H2SO4

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