Influence of Enzyme Supplements in Lamb Fattening Rations

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Abstract
A series of growth and digestibility trials with lambs was conducted to determine the value of adding enzyme preparations to fattening rations for lambs. A bacterial enzyme preparation, Agrozyme, was fed at the rate of 1.5, 3 and 6 gm. per lamb daily. Ficin, a proteolytic enzyme preparation, was fed at the rate of 5, 10 and 20 mg. per lamb daily. The rations fed contained 43 to 60% corn but differed in composition as to total percent protein, source of roughage and kind of protein supplement. Addition of the enzyme supplements to the various rations did not consistently improve feed consumption, rate of gain or feed conversion. Values for carcass grade and dressing percent were similar for lambs fed the control and enzyme supplemented rations. Digestibility of the ration components was not consistently influenced by enzyme supplementation.