Potential use of unmarketable-cracked eggs in rations of lamps

ABSTRACT In this study, potential use of unmarketable cracked eggs in rations of lambs was investigated. A total of 21 male Avassi lambs at the age of 7-8 months (average of 30 kg body weight) were used. The rations were prepared isonitrogenic and isocaloric. Treatment groups were based on the method of addition of cracked eggs. According to this, the group without egg was control group (C), the group supplemented with untreated egg to compensate 10 % protein of ration was Group 1 (G-l) and the group supplemented with formaldhyde treated egg (0.6 % of crude protein) was Group 2 (G-2). Ruminal dry matter and protein degradability were found similar in Control group and Group 1, whereas they were lower in Group 2 (P<0.01). Rumen pH levels were similar between all groups. The ruminal ammonia level at the 1st and 2" h after feeding was similar in Control and Group 1, whereas it was lower in Group 2 (PO.01 ). The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, eter extract and nitrogen free extract were similar among all groups. The highest dry matter intake was observed in Group 2 (P<0.05). Daily body weight gain was similar in C and G-l groups, but it was the highest in G-2 group (PO.05). Feed efficiency ratios in Control, Group 1 and Group 2 groups were 4.13, 3.97, and 3.83, respectively (P>0.05). Carcass characteristics were similar in all groups. There was a negatif relationship between daily body weight gain and degradability of ruminal dry matter, ruminal crude protein, and level of ruminalammonia. In addition positivelly correlated among level of ruminal ammonia and degradability ruminal dry matter, ruminal crude protein also between degradability ruminal dry matter and degradability ruminal crude protein (PO.01). In conclusion, nonedible cracked eggs may use as protein supplement in lambs rations. Key Words : Cracked egg, formaldehyde treatment, nylon bag, feedlot performance, lamb