Effects of Different Protein Levels on Fattening Performance and Meat Parameters in Merino Lambs

Background: A correct supply of protein in the feed diets is required for the efficient conversion of feed and better fattening performances in lambs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the increase in the protein level of the diets by approx. 20% on fattening performance and meat parameters in Merino lambs. Methods: The study was performed during the year 2020. Forty-two lambs (aged 2.5-3 months) were divided randomly into three groups (14 lambs/group). The groups were fed with diets of compound feed and corn silage differentiated by the level of protein. All diets were isoenergetic. The experiment has lasted for 68 days. Result: The results of this study showed that the protein supplementation of diets by approx. 20% determined an increase in the average daily gain (P less than 0.05) in the first phase of fattening and an improvement in dry matter and protein consumption when the protein supplementation was done only in the first phase of fattening in Merino lambs. Also, the findings of this study indicated that this increase in protein level affected carcass quality and led to higher proportion of muscles and significantly lower fat in the carcass.