Effect of hay plus crushed or whole lupin grain on the growth and carcase fat cover of heifers and lambs

Abstract

Heifers and weaner lambs were offered a ration of approximately 40 per cent lupin grain (either whole or hammermilled) and 60 per cent pasture hay for 48 days and 27 or 55 days respectively. Some lambs were offered a choice between lupins and hay for an additional 42 days. These animals selected a ration containing 85 per cent lupins. No significant differences were obtained in liveweight gain or carcase fat cover when the lupins were fed whole or hammermilled. The mean growth rate of the heifers and lambs was 0.97 kg day-1 and 77 g day-1' respectively when lupins comprised 40 per cent of the ration. The lambs offered free choice had a mean growth rate of 160 g day-1 over 42 days.