Feed intake and utilization in sheep fed roughage diets: effects of type and time of concentrate supplementation

An experiment was carried out to investigate under simulated drought conditions the effects of type of supplement in relation to the quality of pasture, the grazing period, forage intake and utilization, and sheep performance. A balanced concentrate supplement promoted greater roughage, total feed intake, and nutrient digestion and utilization, indicated by greater energy intake (TDN) and protein (DCP) intake as compared with high-energy barley grain supplement. It also promoted weight gain with the better quality hay diet and decreased weight loss with the poorer quality straw diet. The results also indicated that concentrate supplementation in the morning, i.e. before grazing, gave better results in terms of feed intake and utilization, and performance. The need for free drinking water was also less than when the supplements were given in the morning. The relevance of these results in relation to drought supplementary feeding of grazing sheep is discussed. The importance of following up possible long-term effects is indicated. The results verified our published estimates of the maintenance requirements of local Barki sheep.