Growth performance, rumen fermentation and economic analysis of Malpura lambs raised on milk replacer at different weaning age under semiarid conditions

Pre‐weaning nutrition has significant influence on post‐weaning performance of lambs. Strategic weaning management on milk replacer allowance at this phase can be a promising approach for harvesting desired carcass trait in finisher phase. Therefore, present experiment aimed economizing pre‐weaning weight gain in lambs by feeding milk replacer and subsequently minimizing weaning age. A study of 90 days duration was conducted to determine the production performance, nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation of lambs on milk replacer allowance at different weaning age. Sixty‐six Malpura lambs (10 days of age) were randomly divided into 3 equal groups. Lambs in control group were allowed conventional free suckling of dam up to 90 day of age, whereas lambs in the two treatment groups, that is W60 and W90 were offered milk replacer and weaned at 60 and 90 days, respectively. Lambs in all groups were offered ad‐libitum creep mixture, Ziziphus nummularia leaves, Vigna unguiculata hay and fresh Ailanthus excelsa leaves. Overall weight gain was 12.7 per cent higher (p