Abstract
Due to high basal metabolic rate, the small ruminants need more frequent feeding than large ruminants. Lohi is one of
potential mutton breed of Pakistan. A study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance correspond to feeding
frequency in Lohi lambs, keeping in view the prevailing feeding pattern i.e. once per day during intensive feeding as opted
by the livestock farmers. Lohi lambs were raised on more than one feeding frequencies regarding least cost basis. It was
noted that with the increase in feeding frequencies, dry matter intake/kg/day was increased. Statistically, results of weekly
weight gain showed significant (P<0.05) difference among various treatments (A, B and C). Similarly, feed conversion
efficiency for all the groups of lambs also showed a significant (P<0.05) difference. The data collected on the morphometric
measurements (heart girth, HG; body length, BL) of Lohi lambs for all treatment groups showed a significant (P<0.05)
difference. The range lands which were easily available for grazing by small ruminants are reducing at the rate of 2% per
decade. There is immense need to explore intensive rearing of small ruminants by adopting different strategies of offering
feed to their animals best suited in tropical environment. The study proved that farmers should adopt three times feeding
strategy to their small ruminants to get maximum growth performance.
