The effect of sheep genetic merit and feed allowance on nitrogen partitioning and isotopic discrimination

Animal nitrogen (N) partitioning is a key parameter for profitability and sustainability of ruminant production systems, which may be predicted from N isotopic discrimination or fractionation (Delta N-15). Both animal genetics and feeding level may interact and impact on N partitioning. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the interactive effects of genetic merit (G) and feed allowance (F) on N partitioning and Delta N-15 in sheep. The sheep were drawn from two levels of G (high G vs. low G; based on New Zealand Sheep Improvement Limited (http://www.sil.co.nz/) dual (wool and meat) growth index) and allocated to two levels of F (1.7 (high F) vs. 1.1 (low F) times Metabolisable Energy requirement for maintenance) treatments. Twenty-four Coopworth rams were divided into four equal groups for a N balance study: high G x high F, high G x low F, low G x high F, and low G x low F. The main factors (G and F) and the inter-action term were used for 2-way ANOVA and regression analysis. Higher F led to higher N excretions (uri-nary N (UN); faecal N (FN); manure N), retained N, N use efficiency (NUE), and urinary purine derivatives excretion (P < 0.05). On the other hand, higher UN/N intake, and plasma Delta N-15 were observed with the lower F (P < 0.05). Higher G led to increased UN, FN, manure N, apparent N digestibility, and urinary pur-ine derivatives excretion (P < 0.05). Higher F only increased UN in high G sheep, with no effect on low G sheep (P < 0.05). Regression analysis results demonstrated potential to use plasma Delta N-15 to reflect the effects of G and F on NUE and UN/N intake. Further research is urged to study interactive effects of genetic and feeding level on sheep N partitioning. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of The Animal Consortium.