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The Utilization of Feed Nitrogen by Lambs as Affected by Elemental Sulfur ^{1, 2, 3, 4}

University of Illinois⁶

Abstract

The paired feeding technique was used to show that elemental sulfur can be used by sheep to supply partially the dietary needs of sulfur when added to a low-sulfur ration where the major nitrogen source is urea. Utilization of feed nitrogen was definitely improved by the additional of elemental sulfur.

Lambs receiving elemental sulfur retained more nitrogen (P=0.015) and more sulfur (P<0.01), their wool growth was increased (P>0.10), and they came closer to maintaining their weight than those on the basal ration (P=0.033).

The following symptoms were observed in the sulfur-deficient lambs: poor appetite, loss of wool, excessive lacrimation, profuse salivation, dullness, weakness, cloudy eyes, emaciation, and death.

Although histological abnormalities occurred in the liver of Nos. 5 and 6, the heart muscle of No. 5, the skeletal muscle of No. 6, and the spleen of No. 5, no definite conclusions can be drawn because those abnormalities found could be due to some complicating condition other than sulfur deficiency.

¹ This paper is a part of a thesis submitted by the senior author to the Graduate College, University of Illinois, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of the Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science.

² Published with the approval of the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station.

³ This is the fourth paper in a series on sulfur in sheep nutrition.

⁴ We wish to express acknowledgment with thanks to Dr. P. D. Beamer and Associates of the College of Veterinary Medicine, for conducting autopsies, and to Dr. M. F. James of the Animal Science Department for her excellent cooperation in the histological study.

Alpha tocopherol, thiamine hydrochloride and riboflavin were generously supplied by Merck and Company through the courtesy of Dr. Randolph T. Major.

E. I. duPont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Delaware, generously provided urea through the courtesy of Dr. M. F. Gribbins.

⁵ Present address. Department of Animal Husbandry, Iowa State College, Ames, Iowa.

⁶ Department of Animal Science, Urbana, Illinois.