Animal Research Institute, Box AH20, Achimota, Accra, Ghana
Baiden, R.Y., Animal Research Institute, Box AH20, Achimota, Accra, Ghana; Duncan, J.L., Animal Research Institute, Box AH20, Achimota, Accra, Ghana
One of the major production traits of interest to sheep farmers in Ghana is lamb growth rate, as it determines how quickly they can make return on their investment. However, the rate of growth and milk production of ruminants grazing natural pastures in Ghana are generally low. This could be enhanced through proper feeding management systems. The current study therefore looked at the growth performance of Djallonke lambs under four feeding management systems, NS (No supplement), S-L (Supplement to lambs) S-D (Supplement to dam) and S-LD (Supplement to both dam and lamb). It also compared the cost of production under the various systems. Daily live weight gain of lambs increased by 62.73% when both dam and lamb were supplemented (S-LD) compared to the control group (NS). The cost of concentrate per unit marginal live weight gain was similar for S-LD and S-D. The findings of this study suggested that to enhance live weight gain of Djallonke lambs during the pre-weaning period farmers must attend to the feeding needs of both the dam and lamb.