Effect of Concentrate Feeding Frequency on Animal Performance and Feed Utilization of Pregnant Abu-Duliek Ewes Under Halaib Region Conditions

Concentrate supplementation is a critical factor in late pregnancy ewes' feeding but feeding concentrate once daily can result in many negative effects on animal performance such rumen acidosis. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of concentrate feeding frequency on feed intake, nutrients digestibility and lambs' birth weight of pregnant Abu-Duleik ewes under arid conditions of Halaib region. Thirty healthy of Abu-Duleik ewes (31.0± 4.86 Kg) at late pregnancy period were randomly divided into three groups that fed on alfalfa hay and concentrate feed mixture (CFM). All groups were fed on alfalfa hay in the morning, while the first group (G1) was fed on CFM in equally two-parts (both in the morning and the afternoon). The second group (G2) was fed on CFM in one part (only in the morning). The third group (G3) was fed on CFM in one part (only in the afternoon). Feed intake was higher in G1 than G2 and G3 but without significant difference. Nutrients digestibility of G1 was the highest among the groups but with insignificant difference, except for Acid detergent fiber digestibility (ADFD%) which was significantly differed (P<0.05). Total digestible nutrients (TDN%) value was higher in G1 than the other groups with insignificant differences among groups. Methane production was lower in G1 than G2 and G3 without a significant difference among groups. Ruminal fermentation characteristics (NH3-N, TVFA's and pH) were less fluctuated in G1. Blood serum metabolites were in normal range in all groups. Birth wight of lambs was significantly higher in G1 than the other groups. Using concentrate feeding frequency practice may be used to enhance feed intake, nutrients digestibility, nutritive value and lambs' birth weight of pregnant Abu-Duleik ewes under arid conditions of Halaib region.