The Utilization of Feed Nitrogen by Lambs as Affected by Elemental Sulfur 1

Abstract

The paired feeding technique was used to show that elemental sulfur can be used by sheep to supply partially the dietary needs of sulfur when added to a low-sulfur ration where the major nitrogen source is urea. Utilization of feed nitrogen was definitely improved by the additional of elemental sulfur. Lambs receiving elemental sulfur retained more nitrogen (P=0.015) and more sulfur (P0.10), and they came closer to maintaining their weight than those on the basal ration (P=0.033). The following symptoms were observed in the sulfur-deficient lambs: poor appetite, loss of wool, excessive lacrimation, profuse salivation, dullness, weakness, cloudy eyes, emaciation, and death. Although histological abnormalities occurred in the liver of Nos. 5 and 6, the heart muscle of No. 5, the skeletal muscle of No. 6, and the spleen of No. 5, no definite conclusions can be drawn because those abnormalities found could be due to some complicating condition other than sulfur deficiency. Copyright © . .