[Nutrient and energy retention in growing lambs. 1. Results of growth experiments]

The results of a growth experiment are explained which was carried out as basis for the control slaughtering method and for N-balance experiments with hybrid fattening lambs of both sexes and of three different genetic constructions in comparison with male merino mutton lambs. The animals were kept individually on perforated floor and received pelleted fattening feed for lambs ad libitum. In the live weight range between 15 and 30 kg the male hybrid lambs reached significantly higher live weight gains than the merino mutton sheep, the former tending towards higher feed intake and lower energy expenditure. The male hybrid lambs showed a significantly higher live weight gain and a significantly lower energy expenditure than the female animals of equal live weight whereas there were no differences between the sexes in feed intake.