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The use of granulated feed in feeding young sheep and its effect on nutrient digestibility and growth rate

The results of studies on the effectiveness of using a granulated feed product based on artificially dried alfalfa grass in the diets of Pridneprovskaya meat breed sheep are presented. The aim of the work was to establish the effect of such feed on nutrient digestibility, growth rate and feed efficiency in young sheep. The experiment was conducted on the basis of the sheep farm of the State Enterprise «DG Runo» with the involvement of 45 5-month-old lambs, which were divided into three groups according to the principle of analogues. The control group received a traditional diet, while in the experimental groups part of the bulk feed was replaced with a granulated product: in group II – 100 % alfalfa granules, in group III – granules enriched with amino acid and mineral premix. It has been found that the use of granular feed contributes to an increase in the nutritional value of diets, especially in terms of protein and essential amino acids. Digestibility studies showed a signifi cant improvement in the absorption of dry and organic matter, protein, fat and nitrogen-free extractives. The highest values were observed in animals that received enriched pellets. Analysis of the growth of sheep showed that the use of granular feed provides a signifi cant increase in average daily and absolute live weight gains. In the period of 5–9 months, gains in the experimental groups exceeded the control by 29,4–38,8 %. At the same time, the best results were obtained in group III, where the diet was additionally balanced in terms of amino acids and minerals. In addition, an improvement in feed conversion was found: the consumption of feed units per 1 kg of gain decreased to 6,85–7,23 ECO versus 9,46 ECO in the control. This indicates a more efficient use of nutrients and the economic feasibility of using pelleted feeds. Thus, the results of the study confirm that the use of pelleted alfalfa feed, especially enriched with premix, is an effective technological method for increasing the productivity of young sheep and optimizing their feeding in conditions of intensive production.

Keywords: pellets, alfalfa, young sheep, rations, digestibility, growth rate, feed conversion.

V. Mykytyuk


MOKDAD SANAA Y. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9791-1983


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BTF №1 2026