Effect of Weaning Age on Lamb's Performance

Twenty four Ossimi male lambs with an average live body weight 3.75± 0.25 kg and 7 days age were randomly assigned to two feeding groups. The first one was left to suckle their dam's until 12 weeks of age (natural rearing) and served as a control group, while the other was early weaned at 8 weeks old. Both the two groups were supported by a starter ration besides dam's milk until being weaned. Data of digestion coefficients which carried out after 12 weeks, showed higher (P<0-05) DMI by early weaned lambs (T2) in comparison with the corresponding natural weaned group (T1). Also, results indicated higher (p<0.05) digestibility coefficients and nutritive values for the same ration by the early weaned group. Lamb's performance from 2-8 weeks old showed in general similar milk and creep feeding intakes, final live body weight, total and daily body weight gains for both T1 and T2. Lamb's performance from 9-12 weeks old illustrated that daily dry mater intake, EngI and CPI were higher (p<0.05) for early weaned group. Early weaned lambs recorded higher (p<0.05) final live body weight as a result to their higher (p<0.05) daily gain during their later life (232 g/h/day vs to 189 g/h/day) in comparison with the natural weaned group lambs. These results clearly indicated that, increasing solid feed consumption by early weaning stimulates rumen morphological development. Also, the important component in successful newborn rearing programs is an early transition to starter grain.