Effects of three types of pelleted total mixed rations on production performance and rumen histology in Hu sheep

We studied the effects of pelleted total mixed rations containing three different roughage types on the production performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, and rumen tissue morphology of stall-fed Hu sheep. Thirty 80-day-old weaned Hu sheep were selected as the test subjects. The sheep were randomly divided into three groups (10 in each group), and a 60-day fattening test was carried out, during which they were fed pelleted total mixed rations containing one of three types of coarse feed ingredient: corn straw silage (group A), barley grass (group B), or alfalfa hay (group C). The average daily weight gain and final weight of group B were significantly lower than those of group A (P < 0.05), while the average daily weight gain and final weight of group C were not significantly different from those of groups A and B (P > 0.05). In group A, eye muscle area was larger than in groups B and C (P > 0.05), and grade rule value was lower (P > 0.05). In group C, muscle tenderness was significantly greater than in the other groups (P < 0.05), and water loss rate was reduced (P < 0.05). Rumen papilla length was significantly greater in groups A and B than in group C (P < 0.05), while rumen papilla width in group A was significantly greater than in groups B and C (P < 0.05). The muscular and keratinized layers of the rumen were significantly thicker in group B than in groups A and C (P < 0.05). Overall, the total mixed rations containing corn straw silage (group A) provided the most economic benefits. These results can serve as a guide for the use of whole-grain total mixed rations in intensive and large-scale sheep rearing.