The voluntary feed intake of sheep genetically different in wool production

Abstract

The voluntary feed intakes of penned rams were measured on three roughage diets containing 15, 9, and 6.5 per cent crude protein. The rams were chosen from three flocks which varied genetically in wool production at pasture. A latin square design was used to examine differences in voluntary feed intake between the diets and the flocks. Feed intake and rate of consumption increased with increasing crude protein percentage of the diet. Daily time spent eating increased from the high to the low quality diet. Within diets, time spent eating was positively associated with intake differences between rams. Feed intake and water consumption were positively associated between and within diets. There were no differences between the diets in water intake per unit feed eaten. Flocks did not differ in voluntary feed intake or in any character associated with intake.