Effect of Floor Space Allowance on Growth Performance of Vizianagaram Lambs

Abstract:

This study evaluated the effect of different floor space allowances on the growth performance of Vizianagaram lambs under intensive rearing. Twenty-four healthy post-weaned lambs were randomly allotted to three groups with eight animals in each group. The lambs were maintained at floor space allowances of 0.4 m² (T₁), 0.8 m² (T₂) and 1.2 m² (T₃) per animal for a period of 90 days under uniform management practices. Growth performance was assessed based on body weight and selected morphometric traits. Body weight was recorded at regular intervals, while body measurements were taken periodically during the study. Body weight showed a steady increase in all groups throughout the experimental period. However, the differences among treatments were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Similarly, morphometric measurements such as body length, chest girth and thigh circumference remained comparable across treatments. The findings suggest that the range of floor space provided did not significantly influence growth performance under the present conditions.