Evaluation of sun-dried sardines as a protein supplement for Omani sheep

Indian oil sardines (Sardinella longiceps) were collected throughout a full year, sun-dried and their chemical composition was determined to evaluate their value as protein supplement for Omani sheep. A feeding trial was carried out with 30 Omani intact male sheep divided randomly into four groups. They were individually fed one of four experimental diets containing 50 g/kg soybean meal as a major source of protein or 50, 100 or 200 g/kg dried sardines as a main protein source. Daily feed intakes and bi-weekly body weights (BW) were recorded. At the end of the 63-day trial, animals were slaughtered and their carcasses dissected. The dried sardines varied in body weight, body measurements, and dry matter content and chemical components throughout the year. On average they contained 450–720 g/kg CP, 40–260 g/kg EE and 110–210 g/kg ash. Inclusion of dry sardines as a major protein source (up to 200 g/kg) did not negatively affect the performance of Omani sheep in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio or carcass composition. However, feeding sardines at 200 g/kg level significantly (P < 0.05) reduced feed intake as percentage of body weight. This study indicated that solar dried sardines might be used at levels up to 100 g/kg in diets of Omani sheep without compromising their feedlot performance.