Researchers wanted to see if adding a plant called Tithonia diversifolia to lamb feed would help the animals grow better and produce better meat. They fed 20 lambs either regular sugarcane feed or sugarcane mixed with Tithonia diversifolia. Both groups of lambs grew well and produced meat that was just as good quality. The meat from both groups stayed fresh longer and didn’t spoil as quickly. This suggests that farmers could use Tithonia diversifolia as an extra food source for lambs without worrying about the meat quality getting worse.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding a plant called Tithonia diversifolia to sugarcane feed would help lambs grow better and produce higher quality meat
  • Who participated: 20 young male lambs that were a mix of two breeds (Santa Inês and Dorper), living in a controlled farm setting
  • Key finding: Lambs eating the sugarcane and Tithonia diversifolia mix ate slightly more food and grew slightly better, but the meat quality was the same in both groups, and the meat stayed fresh longer
  • What it means for you: If you buy lamb meat, this research suggests farmers have another plant option for feeding their animals that doesn’t change the quality or safety of the meat you buy. However, this was a small study, so more research is needed before farmers widely adopt this practice

The Research Details

Scientists divided 20 lambs into two groups living in a controlled farm setting. One group ate only sugarcane silage (which is chopped and stored sugarcane) mixed with grain-based concentrate feed. The other group ate the same sugarcane silage but with an added plant called Tithonia diversifolia mixed in, also combined with concentrate. The researchers carefully measured how much food each lamb ate using automatic tracking systems, watched how fast they grew, and tested the quality of their meat after slaughter.

This type of study is called descriptive research, which means the scientists were mainly describing what happened rather than trying to prove one diet was definitely better than the other. They measured many different things including how much the lambs ate, how much they weighed, what their meat looked like, how tender it was, and whether the meat would spoil quickly.

This research approach is important because farmers need to know if they can use different plants to feed their animals without losing meat quality. By measuring so many different aspects of the lambs’ health and meat quality, the researchers could get a complete picture of whether this new plant option was safe and practical to use on farms.

This study was small (only 20 lambs) and descriptive rather than designed to prove one diet was better. The researchers didn’t use statistical tests to show the differences were definitely real rather than just by chance. This means the findings are interesting but should be seen as a starting point for more research rather than definitive proof. The study was published in a respected meat science journal, which is a good sign for quality.

What the Results Show

The lambs eating the sugarcane and Tithonia diversifolia mix ate slightly more food overall and showed slightly better growth numbers compared to the lambs eating only sugarcane. However, these differences were small and not tested to see if they were definitely real or just happened by chance.

When the researchers looked at the meat itself, they found that both groups produced meat that was very similar in quality. The meat had normal pH levels (acidity), normal color, normal tenderness, and normal cooking loss (how much water comes out when you cook it). There were no meaningful differences between the two groups in these important meat quality measures.

One of the most interesting findings was about how long the meat stayed fresh. The researchers tested whether the meat would spoil by measuring substances that form when meat goes bad. Both groups had very low levels of these spoilage markers, meaning the meat from both diets stayed fresh and stable during storage. This is important because it means adding Tithonia diversifolia didn’t make the meat spoil faster.

When the researchers looked at the whole carcass (the body after processing), they found that both groups had similar amounts of meat, fat, and bone. The different cuts of meat (like the loin and other commercial pieces) were also similar between groups. This means the new plant didn’t change how the lambs’ bodies developed or how much usable meat they produced.

This research fits with other studies showing that different plant-based feeds can work well for raising lambs. Previous research has shown that farmers can use various plants and plant mixtures without hurting meat quality. This study adds to that knowledge by specifically testing Tithonia diversifolia, which is a plant that grows well in certain climates and could be a useful resource for farmers.

This was a small study with only 20 lambs, so the results might not apply to all lamb farms or all situations. The researchers didn’t use statistical tests to prove the small differences they saw were definitely real rather than just random variation. The study only lasted as long as it took the lambs to reach market weight, so we don’t know if the results would be the same over longer periods. The study was done in a controlled farm setting, so results might be different on regular farms with different conditions.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, Tithonia diversifolia appears to be a safe option to include in lamb feed without harming meat quality (moderate confidence level). However, farmers should consider doing their own small tests before making big changes to their feeding programs. More research with larger numbers of animals is needed before making strong recommendations.

Farmers raising lambs in confined systems should care about this research because it suggests a new plant option for feed. People who buy and eat lamb meat should care because it shows farmers have more sustainable feed options. People interested in sustainable farming practices should care because using local plants like Tithonia diversifolia could reduce feed costs and environmental impact. This research is less relevant for people who don’t eat lamb or who raise lambs in very different systems.

If a farmer decided to switch to this new feed mix, they would see results within the normal lamb growing period (usually 4-6 months). Meat quality would be similar immediately, and the benefits of potentially lower feed costs would show up right away.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you’re a farmer using this feed, track weekly lamb weight gain and daily feed intake per animal to monitor if the Tithonia diversifolia mix is working as well as expected on your farm
  • A farmer could start by mixing small amounts of Tithonia diversifolia silage (10-20%) into their regular sugarcane feed and gradually increase it while monitoring lamb growth and health
  • Keep records of feed costs, lamb growth rates, and any changes in meat quality over 2-3 production cycles to see if this feed option works well for your specific farm conditions

This research is preliminary and descriptive in nature. The findings are based on a small study of 20 lambs and should not be considered definitive proof that Tithonia diversifolia is superior to other feed options. Farmers considering changes to their animal feed should consult with a veterinarian or animal nutrition specialist before making significant changes to their feeding programs. Results may vary based on local conditions, climate, animal genetics, and farm management practices. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice.