Impact of concentrate supplementation in ewes and creep feeding in lambs on growth performance: Evidence from a front line demonstration under KVK, Utukur, YSR Kadapa
Author(s): Lavanya A and Veeraiah A
Abstract: A Front Line Demonstration (FLD) was conducted during 2023 in three sheep-concentrated villages of Chinthakommadinne (C.K. Dinne) mandal, YSR Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, to evaluate the impact of concentrate supplementation in ewes and creep feeding in lambs under field conditions. One hundred (N=100) Nellore/Jodipi ewes and their lambs from flocks in C.K. Dinne, Papasahebpet, and Kopparthi were enrolled. Ewes in the demonstration group received a balanced concentrate mixture during late pregnancy and early lactation, while lambs were provided a 16% CP creep feed from 15 days of age to weaning. The demonstration resulted in higher lamb birth and weaning weights, increased average daily gain (ADG), reduced pre-weaning mortality, and a favorable benefit-cost ratio compared to farmers’ traditional practice. Findings highlight the importance of targeted nutritional strategies to improve productivity and profitability of Nellore sheep in semi-arid production systems.
How to cite this article:
Lavanya A, Veeraiah A. Impact of concentrate supplementation in ewes and creep feeding in lambs on growth performance: Evidence from a front line demonstration under KVK, Utukur, YSR Kadapa. Int J Vet Sci Anim Husbandry 2025;10(8S):165-167.
