Feeding to the limits: Efficient early weaning of lambs on solid feed at four weeks

One 2x3 factorial experiment (two weaning ages x 3 rations differing in energy level) was carried out in order to examine the effect of the weaning age (30 or 45 days) and the dietary energy level (12.0, 10.8 and 9.9 MJ/kg DM) on average daily live weight gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass quality and growth rate of the total volume and weight of quadrolocular stomach. A second trial to evaluate the effects of protein source on early weaned lambs was performed. Lambs can be weaned at an age of 30 d instead an age of 45 d without significant effect on production parameters. Amino acid (ΑΑ) profile of the diet proved critical, since the addition of rumen protected lysine (first limiting AA) significantly improved FCR. Sorter weaning age and high fiber content of the ration affected positively the weight of the stomach, but this was not positively correlated with growth performance. Therefore, the most crucial factors at early weaning, inclusively on solid feed, is the palatability, energy density, CP/ME ratio, and AA profile of the diet.