Page 8 - Effects of dried citrus pulp on nutrient intake, nitrogen balance and growth performance in Lohi lambs
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pulp in the diet of ruminants reduces urinary N excretion due to increased microbial growth
(NRC, 2000). Supplementation of dried citrus pulp in the diet has positive effect on fiber
digestion in dairy cows and small ruminants. It improves nutrient digestibility in ewes
(Fegeros et al., 1995). Dried citrus pulp has not shown any effect on average daily gain and
live body weight in the diet of lambs (Caparra et al., 2007). It results in better growth
performance and feed intake in growing kids (Bueno et al., 2002). The dried citrus pulp
also improves the feed intake and economic efficiency in lambs (Caparra et al., 2007).
Dried citrus pulp can be used as a substitute for energy sources in the diet of
ruminants, as these sources contributes major cost in animal diet (Arthington et al., 2002).
Dried citrus pulp can be used to decrease the cost of animal feeding. Limited literature is
available regarding the use of dried citrus pulp as an energy source in small ruminants of
Pakistan. Therefore, present study was planned to evaluate the effects of dried citrus pulp
as an alternate energy source on feed intake, growth performance, digestibility, nitrogen
balance, gain to feed ratio and economics in Lohi lambs.
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