Alternative protein sources in lamb feeding 1. Effects on productive performances, carcass characteristics and energy and protein metabolism

Main Article Content

Anna Maria Facciolongo
Giuseppe Rubino
Antonia Zarrilli
Arcangelo Vicenti
Marco Ragni
Francesco Toteda

Keywords

Lamb, protein sources, performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters

Abstract

The influence of protein sources alternative to soybean was evaluated for feeding “Gentile di Puglia” breed lambs. The lambs were fed pelletted diets containing alternatively: a) soybean b) faba bean; c) lupin or d) pea. Lambs fed the faba bean diet showed the greatest slaughter weight and a better carcass conformation; however, the carcasses were significantly fatter than those obtained from soybean fed lambs. The protein source did not affect the incidence of the different meat cuts of the half carcass with exception for the loin, that was higher in lambs fed with pea in comparison with those fed the lupin and soybean diets. The blood cholesterol level was lowered following feeding with faba bean as compared to the soybean and pea groups. In conclusion, the protein sources tested, with particular concern for faba bean, may effectively replace soybean in feeding for fattening lambs.
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