Twenty-four Ossimi male lambs (initial BW 22 kg) were used to study the effect
of increasing level of screening whole cottonseed (SWCS) on performance,
digestibility, rumen fermentation and intake of OM, CP, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose,
cellulose, lignin and ether extract. Animals were fed four diets containing either 0, 8,
16 or 24% SWCS. The SWCS replaced corn and soybean meal to maintain
calculated TON and CP concentration at 65 and 14%, respectively. Animals were
given ad libitum access to feed and water. Results indicated that DMI, ADG decreased
(P>O.05) lineary with increasing SWCS level. Diet containing 8% SWCS level had
showen better feed efficiency (gain/feed) compared to those either contained 16 or 24
% SWCS levels or nil WCS (control). However, the difference was not statistically
significant. Apparent digestibility coefficients of OM, OM, and CP decreased with
increasing SWCS level, but without significant effect. Diets containing 16 and 24%
SWCS level had higher (P>O.05) increase EE digestibility. While higher (P>O.05)
increase in NDF, ADF, ADL, hemicellulose and cellulose digestibility were observed
with 16% SWCS level. Diets containing 0 and 16% level of SWCS showed more NI,
NO and NR. Calculated MP synthesis was not affected by SWCS level. It was concluded that incorporation up to 24% SWCS level in the diets was
accepted; however, 16% SWCS level could be suggested as a safety level for local
lamb diets.