Interpretive Summary: Effects of a partial or total mixed ration silage based on sugar beet tops on the rumen and blood variables, performance, and carcass quality of fattening lambs

By: Ali Abdi Saray, Yousef Rouzbehan, Javad Rezaei, Bahram Afshar Hamidi

Feeding a dry TMR was compared with partially (PHF) or totally (TLF) ensiled mixed rations based on sugar beet tops, focusing on ruminal and blood variables, estimated microbial protein synthesis (EMPS), nutrient digestibility, productive performance, carcass quality, and antioxidant status in fattening Ghezel lambs. In vitro methane release from the tested diets was also estimated. There were no negative effects of feeding PHF or TLF rations on ruminal and blood variables, EMPS, nutrient digestibility, productive performance, carcass quality, and antioxidant status in fattening lambs. Based on these results, feeding PHF or TLF rather than dry TMR is recommended for fattening Ghezel male lambs.