Recently, it is necessary to formulate high-quality, balanced and low-cost rations for ruminants from nontraditional sources. The present study conducted to investigate the impact of partially replacing corticated cottonseed (CS) cake with sesame meal (SM) in a lamb feedlot diet on growth performance, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation and blood biochemistry. Fifteen growing lambs with an initial body weight of 27.4 ± 1.2 kg (6-7 months old) were randomly assigned into three equal groups (n = 5). Lambs in control group (CS) fed a basal diet, while 8% and 16% SM were used to replace an equal portion of corticated CS cake in the second (8SM) and third (16SM) groups respectively. Results showed that most parameters of growth performance and nutrient digestibility were significantly improved (p < 0.05) with the partial replacement of SM (8SM and/or 16SM). Regarding ruminal parameters, ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acids concentration increased (p < 0.05), while ammonia level and total protozoa count decreased with the partial replacement of SM. Moreover, blood parameters showed variant responses to SM partial replacement. Total protein increased, and glucose decreased significantly with 16SM, while cholesterol showed a significant decreasing with both SM replacement levels. SM may substitute CS cake in lamb diet without detrimental effects on performance, digestibility and ruminal fermentation.
Keywords: blood biochemistry; digestibility; lambs' performance; rumen fermentation; sesame meal.
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