Background and objective: Barley straw is a farm by product that may be useful in animal feeding but its use is limited due to its low nutritional value and high fiber content. Therefore, this study aimed to improving the nutritive value of barley straw by bacterial treatment with Condensed Molasses Soluble (CMS) in the ration of Barki lambs.
Materials and methods: In Experiment 1, 12 Barki rams, which were divided into 3 equal groups (4 each), were given rations which consisted of 50% CFM+50%, either clover hay (C) or bacterial treated barley straw (T1) or T1+ CMS (T2). In Experiment 2, 10 Barki lambs were divided into 2 groups, one (C) and T2 as descripted in Experiment 1. Data analyzed by using one way ANOVA model.
Results: Digestibility of Dry Matter (DM), Organic Matter (OM), Crude Fiber (CF) and Ether Extract (EE) were insignificantly affected among all rations, while Digestible Crude Protein (DCP) recorded a higher value in T2 compared to T1. Changes in Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) values were insignificant. Values of DCP were higher for T2 compared to C and T1. The Body Weight Gain (BWG) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) of growing lambs didn't statistically differ among the groups.
Conclusion: Finally, complete replacement of clover hay by treated barley straw plus CMS may be considered good feeding strategies in the feeding of Barki lambs in Arid and semi-arid regions.
Keywords: Barley straw; Cellulomonas cellulasea bacteria; condensed molasses soluble; fermentation; growth performance; nutritive values.