Some recent studies (Frutos et al, 1992; Giraldez et al, 1993) comparing Spanish sheep breeds have indicate possible differences between breeds in the digestive diet utilization. The aim of this study was to compare voluntary food intake and diet digestibility in three sheep breeds when offered three levels of concentrate supplementation.
A latin square trial (3x3x3) involving three sheep breeds and three levels of concentrate in three periods, with three replicates was designed. The breeds compared were Merina (39.83±10.05 kg live weight (LW)), Churra (44.33±9.86 kg LW) and Assaf (55.83±7.65 kg LW) and three non-productive ewes of each breed were used. All animals were divided into three groups of three animals (one ewe per breed) and housed in individual pens with free access to water and mineral blocks.