Response to partial replacement of yellow corn with potato processing waste as non-traditional source of energy on the productive performance of Ossimi lambs.

Twenty-one male growing lambs aged 6 months with an average weight 27.6 +/- 0.24 kg were used to determine the effects of partial replacing yellow corn with potato processing waste (PPW) on performance of Ossimi lambs. Animals divided into three equal groups and assigned for control and two experimental diets containing PPW which was replaced from yellow corn at 0% PPW (R(1)), 25% PPW (R(2)), and 50% PPW (R(3)). The results showed that tested rations were almost isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Dietary treatments had no significant effect on feed intake, while water intake insignificantly decreased. Digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein significantly (P < 0.05) improved. However, dietary treatment had no significant effect on crude fiber and nitrogen-free extract digestibilities. Values of total digestible nutrient and digestible crude protein significantly (P < 0.05) increased. Nitrogen retention was positive for all groups. Dietary treatments had no significant effect on ruminal pH but insignificantly decreased ammonia nitrogen (NH(3)-N) concentrations. However, total volatile fatty acid concentration was increased. Dietary treatments increased molar proportion of volatile fatty acids. Final weight, body weight gain, and average daily gain were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased, while feed conversion ratio insignificantly decreased. Inclusion of PPW decreased total daily feeding costs of experimental rations. PPW could be used as a source of energy in lamb rations instead of corn grain. Also, PPW can be successfully fed to lamb without any adverse effect on their performance, and it can be an economical substitute for grain.