Population in Palestine is increasing at high rate. The population growth rate was estimated to be 3% (Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics,2006). This growth is accompanied by harsh economic conditions and long dry periods. Growth of human population is also accompanied by a simultaneous increase in the demand for feed ingredients. This has already resulted in the deterioration of natural grazing areas, and lead to a marked decrease in animal performance.
It is therefore important to study the utilization of agricultural byBproducts as feed ingredients for farm animals especially ruminants.
To achieve greater and improved use of byBproducts, there is a need to have data on type, the quantity, seasonal availability, alternative uses and relative costs of these byBproducts. Utilization of byBproducts as feed, for
ruminants, needs more research.
Making silage among the best methods for utilizing byBproducts as feed for ruminants without harmful effects. Silage making eliminates pathogens,and reduces the effect of drugs and pesticides that are used locally without
a serious control or discipline (Hadjipanayiutou, 1998; Azmouti, 2003).
Silage made of either certain field crops or agricultural byBproducts is considered as a good feed ingredient. It is used in livestock operations world wide, especially in feedlot operations (Azmouti, 2003).
The fattening operations are among the important activities within animal production sector. The income from such operations is estimated to be 50% of the total income of animal production (Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, 2006).
In Palestine, feed contributes about 75% of the total cost of animal production, where most of ingredients are imported from foreign sources at high cost (Azmouti, 2003; Nierat, 2006). Utilizing byBproducts as components of animal feeds would decrease the total cost of feeding, which could increase the profitability of livestock producers.
Large amounts of local agricultural byBproducts are available. It varies in amounts, nutritive value and location. Among these are olive cake, field crops and citrus byBproducts. Each of these ingredients is available in local market. More than 40 thousand tons of raw olive cake is produced each year. However, huge amounts at reasonable price of citrus byBproducts are available from Israeli sources.
Several types of agroBindustrial byBproducts are fed to animals individually with variable effects on performance. However, little or no information available on utilizing silage made from local byBproducts in livestock operations. When mixed together at different proportions, silages from
these byBproducts are a potential feed for lambs.
The objectives of this research were to investigate the effect of silage made from wheat straw, citrus pulp and olive cake on the performance, feed intake, cost of gain and nutrient digestibility of Awassi lambs. .


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