Some Effects of Pelleting a Ground Mixed Ration on Feed Utilization by Fattening Lambs1

Three feedlot tests were conducted with lambs using individual and group feeding to compare the relative value of a ration consisting of 47.5% ground corn, 47.5% ground alfalfa hay, and 5% molasses fed in the pelleted and unpelleted forms. Three digestion trials and a nitrogen balance trial were conducted comparing the pelleted and unpelleted feed when fed to lambs. A palatability test was conducted using the pelleted and unpelleted feeds. Rumen contents from lambs fed pelleted feed and from lambs fed unpelleted feed were examined. The weights of a bushel of pelleted and of unpelleted feed were determined.