Original scientific paper

THE USE OF PUMPKIN SEED CAKE IN THE DIETS OF LAMBS IN ORGANIC FARMING

Zvonko Antunović ; Sveučilište J. J. Strossmayera u Osijeku, Poljoprivredni fakultet Osijek, K. P. Svačića 1d, Osijek, Hrvatska
Josip Novoselec ; Sveučilište J. J. Strossmayera u Osijeku, Poljoprivredni fakultet Osijek, K. P. Svačića 1d, Osijek, Hrvatska
Vinko Sičaja ; Sveučilište J. J. Strossmayera u Osijeku, Poljoprivredni fakultet Osijek, K. P. Svačića 1d, Osijek, Hrvatska
Zvonimir Stainer ; Sveučilište J. J. Strossmayera u Osijeku, Poljoprivredni fakultet Osijek, K. P. Svačića 1d, Osijek, Hrvatska
Željka Klir ; Sveučilište J. J. Strossmayera u Osijeku, Poljoprivredni fakultet Osijek, K. P. Svačića 1d, Osijek, Hrvatska
Ivica Matanić ; Alltech-Biotehnologija, J. Lončara 3, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

The aim of the present research was to investigate the use of pumpkin seed cake when feeding lambs in organic farming. The research was conducted on an organic family farm in the Osijek-Baranja County with 36 lambs of Merinolandschaf breed aged 70 days. The lambs were fed feed mixture in which soybean seeds were partially replaced with pumpkin seed cake in the amount of 10% in the experimental group I and 15% in experimental group II. Hay and water were offered ad libitum. Duration of the experiment was 30 days. Keeping and feeding of lambs were under the Regulations on organic livestock production. Weighing and taking of body measurements and indices of body condition of lambs was conducted in the beginning and in the end of study. Body measurements (height of withers, body length, chest circumference, cannon bone circumference, body length, chest width, chest depth, length and circumference of leg) were taken with Lidtin´s stick or livestock tape. Then, the daily weight gain of lambs and indices of physical development (indices of anamorphosis, body proportions, body compactness, muscularity and body condition) were calculated. Based on the results we can conclude that the use of pumpkin seeds cake in feeding lambs in organic farming is justified since the production properties in lambs (body weight and daily weight gain) that consumed mixture with added pumpkin seeds cake accomplished better results. Further research should be extended to the determination of metabolic changes in the organism and fatty acid composition of lamb meat

Keywords

pumpkin seed cake; lambs; organic farming; production traits

Hrčak ID:

160785

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/160785

Publication date:

23.6.2016.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 1.288 *