Growth performance of Malpura and crossbred lambs under intensive feeding.

Growth performance, feed conversion efficiency and nutrient utilization of mutton synthetic, selected and randombred Malpura populations of lambs (60days) were evaluated. The mutton synthetic lambs reached the 25kg body weight in 73days of intensive feeding while the selected and randombred Malpura populations of lambs reached the same weight in 91 and 136days, respectively (P<0.01). The fitted growth curve confirmed the mutton synthetic lambs grew rapidly and were more efficient in feed conversion (P<0.01) followed by selected and randombred Malpura lambs. Dry matter intake and nutrient utilization was similar in mutton synthetic and selected Malpura lambs and required 75g DM, 5.5g DCP and 42.1g TDN/kg W(0.75) for average daily gain of 148g. The lambs were in positive N, Ca and P balance whereas their N retention was lower (25%). It is concluded from this preliminary study that growth response and feed conversion efficiency were higher in mutton synthetic than selected Malpura lambs and lower in randombred Malpura lambs.