Using (Atriplex spp.) as a roughage source to improve some productive characteristics in Awassi Ewes
Date
2007-07-18
Authors
فتحي تيسير يوسف داوود
Fathi Tayseer Yousef Dawood
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AL-Quds University
جامعة القدس
جامعة القدس
Abstract
Abstract
This experiment was conducted at Beit Quad Experimental Station – Beit Quad-Jenin
district, during the period from February to July, 2006, this study was conducted to
investigate the effect of feeding two levels of (Atriplex spp.) (leaves and stems) on some
parameters of breeding Awassi sheep, due to high prices of feed , low sheep productivity ,
decrease in Rangeland areas and low rangeland productivity. This was an attempt to reduce
feed costs as possible.
A total of 27 ewes at age of (5 ± 2) and body weight of (82.6 ± 1.97) were taken and
utilized in the study and were randomly divided into three groups with 9 ewes in each.
Ewes in the control group were fed 3 kg of a commercial concentrate and 3 kg of barley
hay. Ewes in second group were fed 3 kg concentrate plus 1.5 kg barely hay and 1.5 kg
Atriplex. For the third experimental group, barely hay was replaced totally by Atriplex
leaves and fed same amount of the commercial concentrate. Data were analyzed for
ANOVA utilizing SPSS statistical packages
Results showed that feeding atriplex has variable effect on parameters measured. Feeding
atriplex increased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake (DMI) in ewes consumed atriplex in their
diets during various physiological stages (late gestation, suckling and after weaning)
Atriplex in diets increased milk protein (p < 0.05) content, lambs weaning weight and daily
weight gain. However , incorporation of atriplex in ewes ration had no effect on final ewes
weight , change in ewes weight ( initial vs. final weight ) , milk yield , milk fat , milk total
solids , and lambs birth weight.
The study showed the potentional importance of using atriplex as roughage in small
ruminant's rations. It was estimated that about 0.034 $, can be saved per head per day
through using atriplex as shown by this experiment. Lack of any kind of health hazards to
ewes and lamb, adds to the advantage of this roughage, however more research is needed in
this area to confirm these result
Description
Keywords
الارشاد الزراعي , Agriculture Extension
Citation
Dawood، Fathi Tayseer. (2007). Using (Atriplex spp.) as a roughage source to improve
some productive characteristics in Awassi Ewes [رسالة ماجستير منشورة، جامعة القدس، فلسطين].
المستودع الرقمي لجامعة القدس. https://arab-scholars.com/474ea6