Effect of Compensatory Growth on Feedlot Performance of Sudanese Desert Lambs

The study conducted to detect the effect of compensatory growth on feedlot performance of the Sudanese desert lambs. Twelve lambs (Hamri ecotype) of the same initial weight (23±0.16 kg) were used in this experiment. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: the first group (A) was ad libitum offered a high energy diet (10. 50 MJ/Kg DM) for 8 weeks. While the second group (B) was given a low energy diet (8.03 MJ/Kg DM) throughout the same period. Lambs of the second group were found just to maintain their weight. After that period the lambs from the second group were offered  the  high  energy  diet  (10. 50 MJ/Kg DM) until they  reached  the final  weight  obtained  by  the  first  group . It spent 6 weeks to reach that weight.  Data were collected daily and weekly for feed consumption and weekly for weight gain.  The results showed significant difference in daily live weight gain (P<0.001) which was greater for group (B). No significant differences were detected in  final live  weight  and  total  live  weight  gain  between  the  two  groups. Total  dry matter  intake  was  significantly  (P<0.001)  higher  in  group(A) compared with  group (B). Feed conversion efficiency was significantly (P<0.05) superior in group (B) than group (A).