Effect of Temperature on Lamb Performance and Protein Efficiency Ratio

Average daily gain, deviation of actual from predicted gain, daily feed consumption, nitrogen balance, and protein efficiency ratios are given for growing lambs reared at ambient temperatures of —5, 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 35 C. Temperature significantly affected average daily gain, deviation of actual from predicted gain, feed consumption, protein efficiency ratio, and nitrogen retention. Altering protein levels during thermal stress is suggested as a means to improve protein efficiency.