Using Cassava Chip as Basal Feed in Concentrates for Lamb Fattening

Abstract

The study was aimed at supplementation levels of concentrate composing of dry cassava chip as basal feed for lambs receiving fresh para-grass ad libitum. Eighteen weaning lambs were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each ( 4 males, 2 females ). Each group was randomly allocated to supplemented concentrate at 200, 400 and 600 gm/head/day until 30 kg body weight. The result showed that average daily gain and feed conversion ratio of lambs fed with the above diets were 73.13, 111.52,131.15 gm/day and 8.17, 6.68 and 6.42, respectively. Although there was no significant differences in average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, fattening period and carcass quality between group 2 and group 3, lambs received 600 gm concentrate/head/day showed the best daily gain (131.15 gm/day ), feed conversion ratio ( 6. 42 ) and fattening period ( 137 days ). Costs of feeding per 1 kg. liveweight gain were 12.00, 12.34 and 12.89 baht for the respective groups 1, 2 and 3.