Growth performance of Malpura and crossbred lambs under intensive feeding

Growth performance, feed conversion efficiency and nutrient utilization of mutton synthetic, selected and randombred Malpura populations of lambs (60 days) were evaluated. The mutton synthetic lambs reached the 25 kg body wei ght in 73 days of intensive feeding while the selected and randombred Malpu ra populations of lambs reached the same weight in 91 and 136 days, respect ively (P<0.01). The fitted growth curve confirmed the mutton synthetic lamb s grew rapidly and were more efficient in feed conversion (P<0.01)followed by selected and randombred Malpura lambs. Dry matter intake and nutrient ut ilization was similar in mutton synthetic and selected Malpura lambs and re quired 75 g DM, 5.5 g DCP and 42.1 g TDN/kg W-0.75 for average daily gain o f 148 g. The lambs were in positive N, Ca and P balance whereas their N ret ention was lower (25%). It is concluded from this preliminary study that gr owth response and feed conversion efficiency were higher in mutton syntheti c than selected Malpura lambs and lower in randombred Malpura lambs. (C) 20 00 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.