Legume Grains as an Alternative to Soybean Meal in the Diet of Intensively Reared Dairy Ewes

Grain legumes are feedstuffs with high nutritional value that could replace soybean in dairy sheep nutrition. This be beneficial terms of economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. However, research regarding their potential effects on animal performance is scarce. The objective was to assess milk production body condition score (BCS) intensively reared ewes after replacing meal a mixture lupin, pea, vetch, faba bean ration. A total 40 Chios were randomly selected. They allocated two (n = 20) groups C T; both fed same amounts Lucerne hay wheat straw as well concentrate feed formulated either inclusion for Group or T. Both feeds had equal energy protein contents. Data collection performed every 15 days 60-day period (a five measurements). In each measurement, ewe BCS assessed, yield recorded electronically, individual samples collected chemical composition (fat, protein, lactose, solids-non-fat content); corrected components calculated. Moreover, refusals from group weighed calculate intake. Average daily intake lower T compared C. Nutritional management did not significantly affect (p > 0.05) BCS. An exception the last measurement where < higher lactose SNF yield, content. Results suggest studied without compromising productivity ewes.