Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Horro Rams under Different Management Practices at Ambo University, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate growth performance, carcass and non carcass characteristics of Horro Rams under different management practices at Ambo University. A total of 24 Horro rams were randomly assigned to the following three treatments: T1= Day 1 rest before slaughter (Animals slaughtered after transportation to experimental site), T2= Rhodes hay ad libitum and T3= Rhodes hay ad libitum + 400 g concentrate head/day. The initial, fortnight and slaughter live body weight were taken at the initial, fortnightly and at the end of the feeding trial. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated as change in live body weight over total duration of fattening period. All the carcass and non carcass components were taken and recorded. Data were analyzed using the General linear model procedures of Statistical Analysis System Software 9.2. ADG of concentrate supplemented Horro rams (117.36 g) was greater (P < 0.001) than animals fed Rhodes hay ad libitum (11.11 g). Average hot carcass weight of supplemented animals (13.5 kg) was heavier (P < 0.001) than animals fed on Rhodes hay ad libitum and slaughtered after day one rest of transportation (8.4 and 8.93 kg, respectively). Concentrate supplementation had significant and positive influence on ADG, carcass and non carcass components of Horro rams. Therefore, management practices like optimum feeding would improve the growth performance, carcass and non carcass characteristics of Horro sheep