INFLUENCE OF FEEDING DIFFERENT FlBER LEVELS ON DlGESTIBILITY AND PERFORMANCE OF SMALL RUMINANTS

Abstract

Three experiments were conducted in order to study the effect of different dietary fiber levels on nutrients digestibility, rumen fermentation, as well as some productive petformance and ingestive behavior of sheep and goats.

Experiment 1:

Nine fistulated Ossimi rams with 53 kg average body-weight were used in this experiment. The rams were divided into three similar groups according to their live body weight and they fed on three diets containing different fiber levels 15.6, 22.5 or 28.9%. (on DM basis). Nutrients digestibility, N-balance and some rumen fermentation parameters (pH, NH3-N and VFA) were determined. In situ DM and OM disappearance and microbial protein synthesis were also determined.

Experiment 2:

Thirty early lactating Zaraibi does, 18 months of age with about 27 kg average body-weight divided into three similar groups according to their live body weight, whereas every group contained I 0 does.Animals were fed on the three previos experimental diets. Milk yield was measured for each doe once a week for 20 successive weeks and milk samples were analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, total solids and solids not fat.