Sugar cane filter mud for finishing lambs.

Abstract

Proc. Aust. Soc. Anim. Prod. Vol. 19 SUGAR CANE FILTER MUD FOR FINISHING LAMBS A. NIK-KHAH and M. MORADI Faculty of Agriculture (Animal Science), Tehran University, Karaj, Iran. The inclusion of sugar cane filter mud in sheep rations has been reported previously by Mena (1987); it is a sugar cane by-product containing mainly carbohydrates and minerals. In the present investigation, the performance of lambs offered rations containing different proportions of filter mud was assessed. Eighty-four male lambs (4-5 months of age) were allocated randomly to 4 groups receiving rations containing 0, 5, 10 or 15% filter mud. The rations were offered ad libitum for 94 days. Measurements of the chemical composition of the rations and of lamb performance are shown in Table 1. The mean (+ s.d.) weight of the lambs at slaughter was 47 (+ 7.9) kg. Table 1. Chemical composition of rations (%) and lamb performance (mean + s.e.) The inclusion of up to 15% sugar cane filter mud in the rations did not affect lamb performance. Because filter mud is cheap (at least in Khozestan Province of Iran, where it is produced), there is an economic incentive for its use. In addition, its relatively high calcium and phosphorus levels may be advantageous to growing animals. MENA, A. (1987). Utilisation of sugar cane by-products as substitutes for cereals in animal feeds. FAO Animal Production and Health paper No. 63,91-108. 171