Evaluation of leucena hay on the growing of morada nova lambs under confinement

Abstract

With the objective to evaluate the effect of different levels of leucena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam de Wit) hay on the growing of sheep raised under confinement, a trial was carried out, with Morada Nova lambs. All the animals were of the red variety, weaned with four months of age, just prior to the beginning of the experiment. The feeding treatments were: A = 250 g of leucena hay (approximately 30% of the total dry matter + elephant grass ad libitum; B = 350 g of leucena hay (approximately 40% of the total dry matter consumption) + elephant grass ad libitum; C = 450 g of leucena hay (approotimately 50% of the total dry matter consumption) + elephant grass ad libitum; D = 550 g of leucena hay (approximately 60% of the total dry matter consumption) + elephant grass ad libitum. Leucena hay levels showed a positive influence on feed consumption. The weight gain, feed conversion and carcass yield were considered low. The low level of energy consumption probably produced small weight gains. The reduced carcass yield might be due to age of animals at the time of slaughter. In conclusion, it can be said that during the growing stage forage can be used as the only source of food for Morada Nova lambs.