Fattening Performances of Hamdani and Morkaraman Lambs Born in the Breeding Season and Off Season

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the fattening performance and feed efficiency of Hamdani and Morkaraman lambs born in the breeding season and off season. Ten Morkaraman and 10 Hamdani lambs were used in all fattening seasons. Sixty days after weaning. the lambs were subjected to an adaptation period for 15 days. Then, they were subjected to intensive fattening for 70 days. They were fed concentrate and alfalfa ad libitum in all feeding seasons. For statistical analysis, "t" test, least squares method and Duncan test were used. Daily weight gain and concentrate feed efficiency (kg feed/kg live weight gain) in Hamdani lambs were 247 g and 4.71 kg, 246 g and 4.82 kg, 243 g and 4.91 kg in the June (summer), October (autumn) and February (winter) feeding seasons, respectively; corresponding values were 236 g and 3.97 kg, 231 g and 4.24 kg, 227 g and 4.21 kg in Morkaraman lambs, respectively. Daily weight gain and concentrate feed efficiency (kg feed/kg live weight gain) were not significantly different between the genotypes in all feeding seasons. The feed efficiency of forage differed significantly (P < 0.01) between genotypes only in the June (summer) feeding season. Daily weight gain, concentrate feed efficiency and forage were not significantly different between the seasons in Morkaraman lambs. Daily weight gain and concentrate feed efficiency were not statistically different between the seasons in Hamdani lambs, but forage feed efficiency was significantly different among seasons (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the live weight gains and feed efficiencies of Hamdani and Morkaraman lambs subjected to feeding in different seasons were similar showing that seasonal differences did not have a significant effect on these characteristics in either genotype.