Comparative Growth Performance of Deccani Lambs Under Various Rearing Systems in Agro-ecological Conditions of Konkan

The experiment was carried out during winter season (Dec-March) to study comparative growth performance of Deccani lambs under different rearing systems. Twelve Deccani lambs of 3 months age were randomly allocated into three groups of four lambs each viz., T 1 (Grazing), T 2 (Semistallfed), T 3 (Stallfed). T 1 lambs were maintained on 6-7 hrs grazing (100%) with supplementation of concentrate mixture at night as maintenance ration. Both T 2 and T 3 lambs were reared on green roughages of green maize (Zea mays) and Shivan (Gmelina arborea) tree leaves with concentrate mixtures for maintenance. The dry matter intake, average daily gain in body weight, body length, body height, chest girth and total greasy fleece yield was significantly higher (P< 0.01) in stallfed system than grazing and semistallfed systems. The higher intake of dry matter in T 3 (Stallfed) lambs was observed than the lambs reared under the other two systems. Considering superior growth performance of Deccani lambs under stallfed system,present study concludes that , the sustainable lamb production could be promoted in stallfed (Intensive) system in Konkan region of Central India.