Lupin and cowpea supplements for growth, wool production, and reproduction in rams

Abstract

Lupins and cowpeas were fed at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% liveweight (LW) to groups of 6 or 7 South Australian Merino rams for 11 weeks as supplements to a maintenance diet of grass hay. Productive and reproductive parameters were examined. Supplementation at all levels of either grain increased (P<0.001) LW, condition score, backfat thickness, and wool growth, with rams showing similar responses when given cowpeas and lupins. The weights of the pancreas of rams decreased (P<0.01) as the levels of supplementation increased. Semen characteristics (volume, concentration, motility, etc.) and response to freezing did not differ between the diets. Feeding either legume increased (P<0.001) testicular..