Effects of maize, ryegrass and sorghum silages on performance, meat quali̇ty and some blood parameters of lambs

In this study, the effects of ad libitum consumption of different silage sources on the performance parameters, blood parameters, carcass data, and sensory analyses of male Ile de France lambs in Sakarya province were investigated. Within the scope of the study, the effects of corn silage, sorghum silage, and ryegrass silage, along with a control group, on the growth performance, blood biochemistry, carcass data, and sensory properties of the meat of 24 lambs over a 70-day trial period were examined. The results indicated that ad libitum silage consumption did not pose any adverse effects, and the corn silage group exhibited higher live weight gain compared to the other groups, reaching the highest weight at the end of the feeding period. In terms of dry matter intake, the corn silage group also had the highest feed consumption, suggesting that corn silage remains an effective feed source for lambs. Despite this, the lack of statistical significance among the groups indicates that other silage sources can be viable alternatives to corn silage. Blood gas and biochemical analyses revealed no statistically significant differences among the different silage sources, indicating that they did not disrupt biochemical balance and that normal physiological functions were maintained. Regarding carcass data, the corn silage group achieved higher values in terms of slaughter live weight, carcass yield, and hot-cold carcass weights compared to the other groups. However, the absence of statistically significant differences suggests that alternative silage sources like sorghum silage and ryegrass silage can also be adequate in terms of performance parameters. Carcasses resulting from the ad libitum provision of different silage sources were subjected to color, water activity, texture analyses, and sensory evaluations, with no significant impact observed on these parameters compared to the control group. Although the ryegrass silage group received the highest preference in sensory evaluations, no statistically significant difference was detected. In conclusion, while ad libitum silage consumption and the use of different silage sources did not result in statistically significant differences in lamb feeding, corn silage demonstrated some advantages. The study suggests that other silage sources such as sorghum and ryegrass silage could also provide benefits depending on local conditions and production goals. Therefore, it is recommended that producers consider regional factors, climate, water resources, and costs when selecting silage sources for lamb feeding.