1- Effect of dried distillers grains plus solubles from corn on performance and carcass composition of lambs. 2 - Technical Visits to Universities and Sheep Research Institutes.

Abstract

This proposal is based in 3 main aspects: 1) Data analysis and development of trials to determine the effects of using dried distillers grains plus soluble, from ethanol production, on performance and carcass quality/composition in lambs. 1.1) Seventy-two feedlot lambs will be used to determine the effects of DDGS on performance and carcass composition. DDGS at levels of 15, 30 or 45% will replace corn and soybean meal from the control diet. 1.2) Data from 120 early weaned lambs, from the OARDC (Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center-Wooster, OH), will be used to evaluate the effects of supplementing DDGS to grazing lambs on performance, parasite status and carcass characteristics. Animals will be allotted in 10 orchardgrass paddocks with 12 lambs/paddock. A supplementation of DDGS corresponding to 1.5% of body weight will be provided to half of the lambs. During the grazing period, lambs will be weighed weekly and their parasite status determined. After the grazing period, all lambs will be feedloted and those supplemented with DDGS will be fed a 30% DDGS diet. Non supplemented lambs will be fed a corn based diet. When lambs reach 50 kg of body weight they will be slaughtered, their carcass evaluated and Longissimus muscle samples saved for fatty acids profile determination. 2) Attending a discussion forum and technical tour with OSU Professors and Technicians working with Sheep research. Research Institutes and Production Systems in Idaho, California and Utah are in the itinerary. Among the places to visit are the Caine Veterinary Teaching Center in Caldwell (ID), Lava Lake Land and Livestock in Hailey (ID), Mountain States Lamb Cooperative in Douglas (WY), US Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois (ID), Utah State University Ram Test Station in Logan (UT) etc. In addition, participation at "Howard Wyman Sheep Industry Leadership School" is scheduled. The "California Animal Health & Food Safety Lab" in Davis (CA) and the Superior Farms (the biggest lamb meat processor in the USA) in Dixon (CA) will be visited. 3) Collaborative participation in a major trial from the "US Sheep Experiment Station" (Dubois, Idaho) regarding lamb carcass classification and meat processing. In this trial crossbred lambs from Rambouillet ewes and Suffolk, Texel, Columbia and MARC III Composite sires will be evaluated. The slaughter will be performed at experimental abattoir at Animal Sciences Department at The Ohio State University. (AU)