<b>Performance of feedlot sheep fed with increasing levels of yeast and urea</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v29i4.1007

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of the replacement of cracked corn and soybean meal with sugar cane yeast and urea on nutrient intake, digestibility and performance of sheep. The additions of 0, 10, 20 and 30% of sugar cane yeast enriched with urea were evaluated. Thirty-two castrated male sheep were assigned to the four treatments in a completely randomized design. The results showed that intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and total carbohydrates were not affected by sugar cane yeast. However, intake of non-fiber carbohydrates and TDN decreased, and neutral detergent fiber intake increased linearly when the level of sugar cane yeast increased. The digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and total carbohydrate were not affected, while the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and non-fiber carbohydrates decreased linearly as a function of sugar cane yeast levels. Slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weight, live weight gain and both hot and cold carcass dressing decreased linearly as functions of levels of sugar cane yeast. The dressing of commercial cuts, as a function of cold carcass, was not affected by sugar cane yeast. It was concluded that the replacement of cracked corn and soybean meal with sugar cane yeast and urea in the diet of sheep adversely affected energy intake and animal performance.