ABSTRACT
Towards identifying potential production of Barki sheep, this study was implemented to evaluate performance of Barki ewes at late gestation and lactation period by feeding them on standard allowances (Tomi 1963) vs. a higher level 120% of that allowances. Twenty Barki ewes 2-3 years old and 46.5 kg live body weight at the last six weeks of gestation were divided into two equal groups (10 ewes each) that received 100% and 120% of Tommi allowances (1963). The first group (T1) and second are (T2) were fed 1 and 1.2Kg /head/day concentrate feed mixture, respectively beside 2 kg berseem and 200g rice straw / head. The weight of lambs at birth and weaning were not influenced by the level of feeding. The average daily gain of lambs in T2 was improved by 8.0% compared with T1, but the differences between the two treatments were not significant.
Daily actual milk yield in T2 was significantly (P≤0.05) increased and 4%- fat corrected milk yield was improved by 33.70% compared with T1. Milk composition indicated that ewes in T2 had higher (P≤0.05) ash, lactose, total solids (TS) and solids not fat (SNF) %, while fat and crude protein (CP) % were not affected compared to ewes in T1. Regarding the daily milk nutrient yields, it could be observed that fat, protein and total solid yields were significant higher in T2 comparing with T1. Based on new born growth performance measurements, it could be emphasized on 100% of Tommi allowances (1963) as satisfying level to cover the nutritional requirements of barki sheep.