Comparative effect of Pediococcus acidilactici and Lactococcus lactis on growth performance, survival and enzyme activity of western white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

This study was done in Shahid Kiani Marine Aquaculture Development Center, Choebde, Abadan in order to evaluate the effects of Pediiococcus acidilactici, Lactococcus lactis and vitamin C on growth performance, survival, enzymatic activities and immune responses of L. vannamei during three months. Treatments were included control group, Pediiococcus and Lactococcus treatments which fed with diet containing 1×10P9P cfu gP_1P bacteria and vitamin C. At the end of the experiment, the growth factors, immune parameters, digestive enzymes, intestinal, histology of intestine, carcasses and microbial flora (bacterial total count and lactic acid count) were evaluated. The results indicated that administration of lactobacillus had significant effects on the growth factors as the highest weight, increase specific growth rate, relative growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency in the shrimps received pediococcus and then Lactococcus (P<0.05). The best immune function was also observed in the shrimps fed by probiotics, so that proteins and hemoglobin̛ hemolymph, phenoloxidase activity and challenged with V. parahaemolyticus showed a statistical difference comparing to the control group and the group received vitamin C (P<0.05). Some digestive enzymes, in pediococcus treatment showed a significant increase when compared to other treatments (P<0.05). Significant changes in bacterial intestinal flora were observed in probiotic groups compared with control and vitamin C groups (P < 0.05). Histological results showed the positive effects of probiotics in the gut (P < 0.05). While these supplements cannot caused to significant impacts on the shrimp carcass composition (P ˃ 0.05). As a result pediococcus group had the best performance among treatments.

Merging effects of vitamin E and C on biological factors, blood characteristics and resistance against thermal stress in rainbow trout (Onchorhyncus mykiss)

This study was conducted to assay the effects of different levels of dietary vitamins C and E on growth indices and survival and resistance against thermal stress of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in pond culture of Marzan abad from December 2011 to February 2011. Seven diets were supplemented. 300 fish with the average weight of 17 g were introduced to ponds for 60 days. The results showed that the highest and the lowest weight gain were in fish fed with diet containing 50 mg/kg vitamin C and E and 0 mg/kg vitamin C and E(control) , respectively. The highest and the lowest Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) were measured in control and diet 50 mg/kg vitamin C and E. There is a significant difference in their treatments (P<0.05). Also, the lowest and highest amount of Weight Gain (WG) were observed in (E) treatment with 165.04% and 117.5% in control, the highest and lowest Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Condition Factor (CF) was found in control and treatment 50 mg/kg vitamin C and E, respectively(P<0.05). In conclusion vitamin C and E have an important role in enhancement of growth performance and feed efficiency of rainbow trout.The highest red blood cells were found in combined treatments and which the vitamin C was added.The highest RBC were found in E treatment(1.1×104 /mm3) and the lowest one in control (P˂0.05). Counting white blood cells also confirmed highest quantity in combined treatments with (69.83×104/mm3) and the lowest one (28.83×104 /mm3) in control. In conclusion these vitamins have a significant role in blood characteristics. Meantime, the resistance against termal stress was measured at the end of 60 days by facing fishes into 5 centigrade warmer water so consentration of Cortisol and Glucose measured for this reason.The lowest cortisol amount was measured in E treatment with 188.74 ng/ml and the highest was found in control(P<0.05). There was a significant difference in blood glucose consentration of fishes in F treatment with (78.66 mg/dl) and control with 136 mg/dl as a highest one(P<0.05).

A comparative study on effects of Immunoster and Immunowall as immunostimulants on some hematological, biochemical and growth indices of farmed great sturgeon juveniles (Huso huso)

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that profitably affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and /or activation of one or a limited number of bacteria in the intestine that can enhance host health status. Immunoster (IS) and Immunowall (IW) are prebiotics and immunostimulants derived from the outer cell wall of brewers yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These substances contain MOS and �-glucans. After a four-week acclimatization period to rearing conditions and basal diet, 450 farmed great sturgeon juveniles weighing 95.58 ± 9.38 g were randomly distributed into 15 fiberglass tanks (2 × 2 × 0.53 m) in five treatments (Control, IS 1%, IW 1%, IS 3%, and IW 3%) in three replicates (completely randomized design) and kept at a density of 30 fish per tank for a period of 8 weeks at water temperature 20.55 ± 5.11ºC, dissolved oxygen 6.73 ± 0.35 mg L-1 and pH 7.92 ± 0.09. IS and IW were added at two levels of 1% and 3% to the basal diet in place of cellulose, except the control. At the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the trial, carcass analysis was done to determine the moisture, protein, fat, ash, and total carbohydrate. Also, blood samples were collected to measure hematological, biochemical and immune indices. At the end of the trial, final weight, final length, body weight increase (BWI), specific growth rate (SGR), average daily growth (ADG), protein efficiency ratio (PER), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and condition factor (CF) in fish fed on IS and IW in both levels 1% and 3% showed some differences. These differences were significant in IS 3% and IW 1% and 3% compared with the control (P<0.05). HSI showed no significant difference (P>0.05) and survival rate was 100% in all treatments. Crude protein of carcass in fish fed on IS and IW at 1% and 3% showed an increase in comparison with the control. There was significant difference between IS 3% and the control in crude protein of carcass (P<0.05). Fish fed on IS and IW at 1% and 3% showed various results in hematological and biochemical factors. It was observed significant difference in MCV between IW 1% and IS 3% compared with the control (P<0.05). Although there was an increase in values of hematocrit, hemoglobin (except IS 1%), WBC (except IW 3%), MCH, neutrophil, total protein, albumin (except IS 3%), K+, and lysozyme in fish fed on IS and IW compared with the control, it was no significant (P>0.05). The maximum count of WBC and the highest value of Ca2+ were seen in IW 1%. The maximum count of lymphocyte, the highest values of total protein, albumin and IgM were recorded in IW 3%. IS 1% had the maximum count of neutrophil and the highest concentration of lysozyme. Based on obtained results, it can be declared that IS and IW at two levels of 1% and 3% can enhance growth performance and feed efficiency and also improve some hematological, biochemical, and immune indices in farmed great sturgeon juveniles.

Effects of dietary ascorbic acid supplementation on the growth performance, immune and stress response in juvenile Leiocassis longirostris Gunther exposed to ammonia

This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of dietary supplemental ascorbic acid (AA) on the feed intake, growth, serum lysozyme, hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and handling stress response in Chinese longsnout catfish (Leiocassis longirostris Gunther) exposed to three levels of unionized ammonia nitrogen (UIA-N). Juvenile Chinese longsnout catfish were reared in 54 fibreglass tanks with a 3 x 3 factorial design treatment consisting of three supplemental AA levels in ascorbyl 2-monophosphate (38, 364 and 630 mg AA equivalent kg(-1) diet) and three UIA-N concentrations [0.004 (the control), 0.037 and 0.292 mg L-1]. The fish were sampled on the 11th, 32nd and 60th day. On the 62nd day, the remaining fish were subjected to an acute stress by being held in a dipnet out of water for 60 s, and sampled at 30 min post handling. The results showed that the specific growth rate (SGR) in 32 days significantly decreased with increased water UIA-N (P=0.0476) but was not affected by dietary supplemental AA (P > 0.05). After 60 days, SGR, feeding rate (FR) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) significantly increased with increased dietary supplemental AA (P < 0.001) while remaining unaffected by water UIA-N (P > 0.05). There was no significant interaction between dietary AA and UIA-N for growth responses (P > 0.05). The serum lysozyme activity on the 11th day and the hepatic SOD activity on the 32nd day were significantly affected at high (0.292 mg L-1) water UIA-N. On the 62nd day, the increase in cortisol resulting from acute stress significantly decreased by higher UIA-N (P=0.038). It is suggested that Chinese longsnout catfish displayed an adaptive response after long-term UIA-N exposure, and AA had beneficial effects on the growth and feed intake of catfish and alleviated the negative effects of chronic ammonia stress. A chronically higher ammonia level shows a tendency to inhibit the cortisol response to another acute stressor.

Effect of dietary cyanobacteria on growth and accumulation of microcystins in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

A 12-week growth trial was conducted in a flow-through system to investigate the chronic toxic effect of dietary intake of cyanobacteria on growth, feed utilization and microcystins accumulation in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) (initial body weight: 5.6 g). Six isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated to include different contents of cyanobacteria with the dietary microcystins increasing from 0 to 5460.06 ng/g diet. The results showed that dietary intake of cyanobacteria could increase the growth of tilapia while there are no impacts on feed conversion efficiency or mortality. Feeding rate was higher for the diets containing highest cyanobacteria. Microcystins were mostly accumulated in fish liver. The relationship between microcystins contents in muscle, liver, spleen and dietary intake could be described by quadratic equations. Microcystins content in the muscle of Nile tilapia in present study exceeded the upper limit of the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of microcystins suggested by the WHO (0.04 mu g/kg body weight/d). It is suggested that Nile tilapia fed on toxic cyanobacteria is not suitable for human food. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of inclusion of blue-green algae meal on growth and accumulation of microcystins in gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio)

Six isonitrogenous (crude protein content: 38%) and isoenergetic (gross energy content: 17 kJ g(-1)) diets were formulated to investigate the effects of inclusion of blue-green algae meal on gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio). In each diet, 15% of the protein was supplied by fishmeal; the remainder was supplied by soybean meal and blue-green algae meal. Diet 1 was used as control with no blue-green algae meal whereas the content in diets 2-6 was 15.15, 29.79, 44.69, 59.58 and 74.48%, respectively. Each diet was fed to five groups of gibel carp for 12 weeks in a flow-through system. Final body weight and specific growth rate (SGR) of fish fed diet 5 were significantly lower than the control diet (P < 0.05). Mortality of gibel carp increased with increase in algae meal inclusion (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between fish fed diets 3-6 (P > 0.05). Feed conversion efficiency (FCE) decreased with the increase in algae meal inclusion (P < 0.05). Fish-fed diet 6 showed the highest feeding rate (P < 0.05), while there were no significant differences among the other groups (P > 0.05). Apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter, protein, and energy decreased with increasing algae meal inclusion in the diets (P < 0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase (GOT) activity in the liver was not significantly different among groups (P > 0.05). Liver alanine aminotransferase (GPT) activity of fish-fed diets 4, 5 and 6 was significantly lower than the control diet (diet 1; P < 0.05). Microcystins in the muscle, liver, gallbladder, and spleen increased with increasing algae inclusion (P < 0.05).

Comparative growth performances of diploid and triploid Chinese shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis (Osbeck, 1765) under different salinities

This study aimed at evaluating the ploidy effects on growth performances of Chinese shrimp (Fenneropenaeus chinensis Osbeck, 1765) reared in different salinities under laboratory conditions. In the acute salinity experiment, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in tolerance observed in triploid and diploid shrimp due to abrupt salinity changes. The lethal salinity for 50% of the individuals in 96 h at 23-25 degrees C was about 2 g L-1 in both triploids and diploids. While for the chronic salinity experiment, statistical analyses confirmed that the differences in growth performances including the specific growth rate (SGR), the feeding rate (FR), feed conversion efficiency (FCE) and intermoult period (IP) between triploid and diploid were related to salinity. Diploid shrimp reared in 20 g L-1 exhibited highest SGR (P < 0.05), while triploids performed well in 20 and 30 g L-1 salinities (P < 0.05). Based on the survival and growth data, the optimal salinity for the culture of diploid F. chinensis should be 20 g L-1 and for triploids it should be between 20 and 30 g L-1.

Performance of a mixed-conducting ceramic membrane reactor with high oxygen permeability for methane conversion

A mixed-conducting perovskite-type Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-delta (BSCFO) ceramic membrane reactor with high oxygen permeability was applied for the activation of methane. The membrane reactor has intrinsic catalytic activities for methane conversion to ethane and ethylene. C-2 selectivity up to 40-70% was achieved, albeit that conversion rate were low, typically 0.5-3.5% at 800-900 degreesC with a 50% helium diluted methane inlet stream at a flow rate of 34 ml/min. Large amount of unreacted molecular oxygen was detected in the eluted gas and the oxygen permeation flux improved only slightly compared with that under non-reactive air/He experiments. The partial oxidation of methane to syngas in a BSCFO membrane reactor was also performed by packing LiLaNiO/gamma -Al2O3 with 10% Ni loading as the catalyst. At the initial stage, oxygen permeation flux, methane conversion and CO selectivity were closely related with the state of the catalyst. Less than 21 h was needed for the oxygen permeation flux to reach its steady state. 98.5% CH4 conversion, 93.0% CO selectivity and 10.45 ml/cm(2) min oxygen permeation flux were achieved under steady state at 850 degreesC. Methane conversion and oxygen permeation flux increased with increasing temperature, No fracture of the membrane reactor was observed during syngas production. However, H-2-TPR investigation demonstrated that the BSCFO was unstable under reducing atmosphere, yet the material was found to have excellent phase reversibility. A membrane reactor made from BSCFO was successfully operated for the POM reaction at 875 degreesC for more than 500h without failure, with a stable oxygen permeation flux of about 11.5 ml/cm(2) min. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Single-laboratory validation of a multiplex flow cytometric immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of coccidiostats in eggs and feed

Coccidiostats are authorized in the European Union (EU) to be used as poultry feed additives. Maximum (residue) levels (M(R)Ls) have been set within the EU for consumer and animal protection against unintended carry-over, and monitoring is compulsory. This paper describes the single-laboratory validation of a previously developed multiplex flow cytometric immunoassay (FCIA) as screening method for coccidiostats in eggs and feed and provides and compares different approaches for the calculation of the cut-off levels which are not described in detail within Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Comparable results were obtained between the statistical (reference) approach and the rapid approaches. With the most rapid approach, the cut-off levels for narasin/salinomycin, lasalocid, diclazuril, nicarbazin (DNC) and monensin in egg, calculated as percentages of inhibition (%B/B0), were 60, 32, 76, 80 and 84, respectively. In feed, the cut-off levels for narasin/salinomycin, lasalocid, nicarbazin (DNC) and monensin were 70, 64, 72 and 78, respectively, and could not be determined for diclazuril. For all analytes, except for diclazuril in feed, the rate of false positives (false non-compliant) in blank samples was lower than 1 %, and the rate of false negatives (false compliant) at the M(R)Ls was below 5 %. Additionally, very good correlations (r ranging from 0.994 to 0.9994) were observed between two different analysers, a sophisticated flow cytometer (FlexMAP 3D(®)) and a more cost-efficient and transportable planar imaging detector (MAGPIX(®)), hence demonstrating adequate transferability.

Probiotic effect of Bacillus NL110 and Vibrio NE17 on the survival, growth performance and immune response of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man)

Eight hundred and eighty-¢ve strains of bacterial isolates fromvarious samples associatedwith the natural habitat ofMacrobrachiumrosenbergii were screened for their probiotic potential. Two putative probionts namely Bacillus NL110 and Vibrio NE17 isolated from the larvae and egg samples, respectively, were selected for experimental studies and were introduced to the juveniles of M. rosenbergii (0.080 0.001g) through di¡erent modes such as through feed, water and both. The probiotic potential of the above bacteria in terms of improvements inwater quality, growth, survival, speci¢c growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio and immune parameters was evaluated. The treatment groups showed a signi¢cant improvement in SGR and weight gain (Po0.001). Survival among di¡erent treatment groups was better than that in the control group. There were also signi¢cant improvements in the water quality parameters such as the concentration of nitrate and ammonia in the treatment groups (Po0.05). Improvements in immune parameters such as the total haemocyte count (Po0.05), phenoloxidase activity and respiratory burst were also signi¢cant (Po0.001). It is concluded that screening of the natural micro£ora of cultured ¢sh and shell¢sh for putative probionts might yield probiotic strains of bacteria that could be utilized for an environment-friendly and organic mode of aquaculture.

Probiotic effect of Bacillus NL110 and Vibrio NE17 on the survival, growth performance and immune response of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man)

Eight hundred and eighty-¢ve strains of bacterial isolates fromvarious samples associatedwith the natural habitat ofMacrobrachiumrosenbergii were screened for their probiotic potential. Two putative probionts namely Bacillus NL110 and Vibrio NE17 isolated from the larvae and egg samples, respectively, were selected for experimental studies and were introduced to the juveniles of M. rosenbergii (0.080 0.001g) through di¡erent modes such as through feed, water and both. The probiotic potential of the above bacteria in terms of improvements inwater quality, growth, survival, speci¢c growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio and immune parameters was evaluated. The treatment groups showed a signi¢cant improvement in SGR and weight gain (Po0.001). Survival among di¡erent treatment groups was better than that in the control group. There were also signi¢cant improvements in the water quality parameters such as the concentration of nitrate and ammonia in the treatment groups (Po0.05). Improvements in immune parameters such as the total haemocyte count (Po0.05), phenoloxidase activity and respiratory burst were also signi¢cant (Po0.001). It is concluded that screening of the natural micro£ora of cultured ¢sh and shell¢sh for putative probionts might yield probiotic strains of bacteria that could be utilized for an environment-friendly and organic mode of aquaculture

The economic viability and potential of a novel poultry agroforestry system

Investigating agroforestry systems that incorporate poultry is warranted in Northern Europe as they may offer benefits including: improved welfare and use of range; reduced feed costs; price premia on products; reduced payback periods for forests; and, greater returns on investment. Free-range egg production accounts for 27% of the United Kingdom egg market and demand for outdoor broilers is increasing. No research has been conducted recently on the economic viability of agroforestry systems with poultry. An economic model was constructed to: assess economic viability of a broiler agroforestry system; and, investigate the sensitivity of economic performance to key factors and interactions, and identify those which warrant attention in research and management. The system modelled is a commercial trial established in Southern England in 2002 where deciduous trees were planted and broilers reared in six- or nine-week periods. The model uses Monte Carlo simulation and financial performance analyses run for a 120-year period. An Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 15.5% is predicted for the six-week system which remains viable under a 'worst case' scenario (IRR of 12.6%). Factors which affect financial performance most (decreasing in magnitude) are prices achieved for broilers, costs of brooding houses, chicks, arks, feed and timber prices. The main anticipated effects of biological interactions on financial performance (increased ranging on feed conversion and excess nutrient supply on tree health) were not supported by analysis. Further research is particularly warranted on the welfare benefits offered by the tree component and its relation to price premia.

Growth and nutrient utilization of Murray cod Maccullochella peelii peelii (Mitchell) fingerlings fed diets with varying levels of soybean meal and blood meal

The Australian native freshwater fish Murray cod, Maccullochella peelii pellii (Mitchell), currently supports a fledgling inland aquaculture industry, which is thought to have considerable growth potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of two alternate protein sources [blood meal (BM) and defatted soybean meal (SBM)] as substitutes for fish meal at various levels of inclusion in diets for juvenile Murray cod. The growth performance of juvenile Murray cod in response to nine isonitrogenous and isocalorific diets (50% protein, 14% lipid, 20.2 kJ g⁻¹) consisting of a control diet in which protein was supplied from fish meal, and test diets in which the fish meal protein was substituted at levels of 8%, 16%, 24%, and 32% with BM or SBM was evaluated from a 70-day growth experiment. The per cent apparent dry matter (% ADC_dm) and percentage protein digestibility (% ADC_p) of the test diets were also determined using Cr₂O₃ as a marker. Survival in all the SBM dietary treatments was high but that of fish on the BM dietary treatments was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in all the other dietary treatments. Specific growth rate (% day−1) of Murray cod fed SBM incorporated diets ranged from 1.63 ± 0.06 to 1.78 ± 0.10 and even at the highest level tested (32% of the dietary protein from SBM) was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from the fish fed the control diet (1.65 ± 0.09). Feed conversion ratios of the SBM dietary treatments ranged from 1.36 ± 0.08 to 1.45 ± 0.07. The protein efficiency ratios and protein conversion efficiencies of Murray cod in the soybean meal treatments were also good and for a majority of the SBM diets were better than those for the control diet. Per cent ADC_dm and ADC_p of the SBM diets tested ranged from 70.6 ± 1.46 to 72.3 ± 1.81% and 88.6 ± 0.57 to 90.3 ± 0.17%, respectively, and was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from the control diet (% ADC_dm 74.3 ± 1.63; % ADC_p 91.3 ± 0.55). The reasons for significantly poor survival and growth of Murray cod reared on BM incorporated diets, and relatively poor digestibility of these diets are discussed. The study shows that for Murray cod diets in which fish meal protein is substituted up to 32% performance or carcass composition is not compromised.

Effects of dietary oil source on growth and fillet fatty Acid composition of Murray cod, Maccullochella peelii peelii

The Murray cod, an Australian native freshwater fish, supports a relatively small but increasing aquaculture industry in Australia. Presently, there are no dedicated commercial diets available for Murray cod; instead, nutritionally sub-standard feeds formulated for other species are commonly used. The aim of the present investigation was to assess the suitability of two plant based lipid sources, canola oil (CO) and linseed oil (LO), as alternatives to fish oil for juvenile Murray cod. Five iso-nitrogenous, iso-calorific, iso-lipidic semi-purified experimental diets were formulated with 17% lipid originating from 100% cod liver oil (FO), 100% canola oil, 100% linseed oil and 1 : 1 blends of canola and cod liver oil (CFO) and 1 : 1 blends of linseed and cod liver oil (LFO). Each of the diets was fed to apparent satiation twice daily to triplicate groups of 50 Murray cod with initial mean weights of 6.45 ± 1.59 g for 84 days at 22 °C. Final mean weight, specific growth rate and daily feed consumption were significantly higher for the FO and LFO treatments compared to the LO treatment. Feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios were not significantly different amongst treatments. Experimental diets containing vegetable oil and vegetable oil blend(s) had significantly higher concentrations of n-6 fatty acids, predominantly in the form of linoleic acid (LA), while n-3 fatty acids were present in significantly higher concentrations in LO and LFO treatments. The fatty acid composition of Murray cod fillet was reflective of the dietary lipid source. Fillet of fish fed the FO was highest in EPA (20:5n-3), ArA (20:4n-6) and DHA (22:6n-3). Fish fed the CO diet had high concentrations of oleic acid (OlA) (192.2 ± 10.5 mg g lipid− 1), while the fillet of Murray cod fed the LO diet was high in α-linolenic acid (LnA) (107.1 ± 6.7 mg g lipid− 1). The present study suggests that fish oil can be replaced by up to 100% with canola oil and by up to 50% with linseed oil in Murray cod diets with no significant effect on growth.

Feed intake, growth, plasma glucose and urea nitrogen concentration, and cacass traits of lambs fed isoenergetic amounts of canola meal, soybean meal, and fish meal with forage based diet.

This experiment was conducted to examine the effect of feeding small, isoenergetic amounts of supplements containing high protein and functional lipid components, rather than the greater amounts of cereal and/or legume grains usually fed during the dry season in Australia, on dry matter intake (DMI), growth performance, plasma metabolites, and fat deposition in lambs consuming low quality roughage. Thirty two crossbred wether lambs ([Merino × Border Leicester] × Poll Dorset) were divided into four groups by stratified randomization according to liveweight (26–33 kg). After a 7-day adaptation to a hay diet (lucerne hay:oaten hay; 30:70), lambs were allocated to four treatments consisting of (1) basal diet of lucerne hay:oat hay (20:80; metabolizable energy (ME) = 7.0 MJ/kg DM), Basal; (2) basal + canola meal (84 g per day), CM; (3) basal + soymeal (75 g per day), SM; or (4) basal + fishmeal (80 g per day), FM. Daily hay and supplement DMI, and weekly liveweight were recorded during a 53-day experimental study. Blood samples were taken on day 1 and pre- and post-feeding on days 30 and 53 to measure changes in plasma glucose and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentration. At the end of the experiment, lambs were slaughtered and hot carcass weight (HCW) recorded; cold carcass fatness (total muscle and adipose tissue depth at 12th rib, 110 mm from midline; GR) was determined at 24 h postmortem. Total DMI was increased (P < 0.001) in CM, SM and FM treatments, but basal hay DMI intake was only increased (P < 0.01) in CM and FM treatments compared with Basal treatment. This resulted in significant (P < 0.01) increases in metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) intakes in all supplemented treatments, with the highest intakes recorded in the FM treatment. Liveweight gain (LWG) was significantly increased in CM and SM (P < 0.05) and FM (P < 0.01) treatments but HCW was significantly (P < 0.01) heavier slaughter only in the FM treatment. Feed conversion efficiency (P < 0.001) and GR fat at depth (P < 0.05) was reduced in all supplement treatments compared with Basal. Plasma glucose concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) increased after feeding in all treatments but there was no treatment effect. PUN was significantly increased over time in the supplemented treatments compared with the Basal treatment; there was no significant difference between supplement treatments by day 53. Results show that feeding small amounts of high protein and lipid-containing supplements improves production responses and are beneficial in producing carcasses with more lean compared with carcasses from lambs fed a low quality hay diet.