One hundred growing Barki lambs were randomly assigned to five comparative
feeding trials ( 22.8,22.8,22.9,22.7 and 22.9 ±1.011 Kg BW for groups 1,2,3,4 and
5 respectively). The feeding experiments lasted for 140 days to evaluate the effect of
protein replacement by canola meal protein at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% in five different
concentrate feed mixtures (CFM), yet isonitrogenous and isocaloric on lamb growth
performance and some rumen and blood parameters. the CFMs were fed at 2.5 % of
body weight whereas rice straw was offered ad. lib. During the feeding experiments,
five metabolism trials were carried out in order to evaluate the feeding values of the
experimental rations. Results indicated that digestion coefficients of CP, EE and NFE,
nutritive value as TON, nitrogen retention, rumen parameters TVFA's, blood protein,
daily gain and feed efficiency (Kg OM and TON I Kg gain) were significantly increased
(p < 0.05) with increasing canola meal level in rations. Digestion coefficients of OM
and OM, nutritive value of DCP, DE and ME, blood albumin, globulin and total OM
intake were not influenced by increasing the level of canola meal in rations. On the
other hand, increasing the level of canola meal significantly (P<0.05) lowered
digestion coefficient of CF, rumen pH, ammonia- N and blood serum urea nitrogen. Conclusively, canola meal protein could economically replace up to 40% of
total CP of CFM without any adverse effect on the performance of Barki lambs. These
results may lead to that, canola meal should be given attention as a feed component
to play an active role in the relief of the problem of protein shortage in Egypt.
However, more studies are warranted with different ruminants in different stages of
production.