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Heat Load and Supplement Effects on Performance and Nutrient Utilization by Lambs Fed Orchardgrass Hay^{1, 2,}

University of Missouri, Columbia 65201

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of heat stress on wether lamb performance, and nutrient utilization of supplemented orchardgrass hay.

In experiment I, dry matter and digestible energy (DE/kg^.75) intake were depressed (P <.05) and water intake (ml/g DM) increased (P <.05) by wethers with heavy fleece (greater than 6 cm) compared to the shorn lambs. Potassium gain was greater, but body weight gain lower in unshorn wethers. With the exception of ether extract and NFE, all digestibility coefficients were significantly greater when the forage was fed 2 hr before the supplement as opposed to 2 hr after. Average daily gain was greater (P <.05) in wethers supplemented 2 hr after hay feeding and was directly related to their greater digestible energy intake. Feed conversion was also more efficient in these wethers.

In experiment II, intake and all digestibilities except crude fiber were increased in both environments when the hay was supplemented with corn (250 g/day), but this increase was more pronounced under temperate (12C) conditions as compared to warm (27C).

¹ Contribution from the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. Journal Series No. 6860. Approved by the Director.

² The cooperation of the Psychrogenic Laboratory management and staff is appreciated.

³ Current Address: University of Minnesota, Waseca 56093.