The aim of this study is to determinate the effect of incorporation of date pits on diets composed of wheat straw and concentrate on the daily gain weight of yearlings lambs. Twelve (12) yearling males of Ouled Djellal breeds, 12 months age, were randomly distributed in tow groups; each one was composed of six animals. The 1st group (G1) received a diet composed of wheat straw and concentrates (60:40) whereas the 2nd group (G2) received a diet formed of a mixture of wheat straw and date pits (80:20) as forage in addition to concentrate constituting 40% of the diet. The diet based on straw +concentrates covered maintenance needs of sheep in addition to total daily gain weight equal to 62.7±0.02 g/day. The animals which have ingested date pits showed an increase of the weight each week with a total daily gain weight of 133.6±0.02 g/day. Date pits had a very significant effect on the daily gain weight of lambs (P<0.001). From these results, we can deduce that the distribution of date pits to sheep would not only ensure animals maintaining needs during the low seasons (winter-summer) but also can increase weight of animals.
