The effect of heat load on nutrient utilization and blood parameters of Awassi sheep and Kilis goat fed different levels of concentrate feed

This study was carried out to determine the head load effect on nutrient utilization and blood parameters of Awassi ram lambs and male Kilis goats fed different concentrate levels. Eight Awassi ram lambs (29.63 +/- 3.5 kg) and 8 Kilis male goats (29.72 +/- 3.01 kg) at same age (6-7 months) for apparent digestion trials were used as experimental animals. Experiment was arranged in 2 x 2 factorial in which season animal species (sheep versus goat), and concentrate level (80 versus 50%) were the main effects to be investigated. Animal species had a significant effect on DMI and ram lambs consumed more DM than goats (2.64 vs 2.38 %of BW) (P < 0.05). Increment of concentrate feed level improved DM, OM and CP digestibility due to decreasing level of straw which has very low digestibility comparison with concentrate feed. Increasing concentrate level decreased ADF (50.29 vs 38.21) and NDF (51.27 vs 43.49) digestibility. Animal species effect on rectal temperature was found significant (P < 0.05) with animal species x concentrate level (39.23 vs 39.33 degrees C for goat and 40.05 vs 39.53 degrees C for sheep). As a conclusion, Awassi ram lambs and Kilis goats exposed to head load and fed different levels of concentrate had similar nutrient utilization and blood parameters levels. Goat had better heat dissipating capacity.