Vol. 9, Special Issue 3 (2024)

Author(s): Maram Harani, Korra Balaji Naik, Elluru Sireesha, Vannam Yugandhar, Malavathu Mallikarjun and Chandra Radhakumari

Abstract: A study was undertaken at IFS shed, KVK, Kalyandurg (AP, India) to determine the effect of urea molasses mineral block supplementation on growth performance in Nellore brown lambs reared on grazing. Twenty four weaned ram-lambs (average body weight 10.85 kg) were randomly assigned to three groups on the basis of body weight, vizT₁ - Grazing alone (Control), T₂ - grazing with concentrate supplementation @ 100g/kg body weight, T₃ - grazing with UMMB supplementation (1 kg block) for a trial of 120 days. Weighing of animals was done fortnightly before feeding. The final body weights and average daily weight gain were significantly higher in both the treatment groups than in the control group. Higher ADG was noticed in concentrate supplemented group (p<0.01) than UMMB supplemented group. There were noticeable differences between the ADG of groups from the period of 15-30 days of the trial, even though their body weights did not differ significantly up to 45 days. Significant differences were observed in the ADG of different groups at all stages of the experiment. Even though there was no significant difference in early stages of growth, later there was a significant (p<0.05) difference among the supplemented groups.