A dataset related to an experiment conducted in 2025

The present study evaluated the effect of adding aromatic flavoring compounds (AFC; vanilla, citrus and apple) to a pelleted concentrate on concentrate intake, average daily gain (ADG), and feeding behavior in early-weaned lambs. The experiment involved 24 lambs, divided into four groups over a period of 28 days: a control group (R) with no aromatic flavoring compounds (AFC) and three groups with AFC added vanilla (V), added citrus (C) and added apple (A) AFC. The groups received the AFC containing feed in a Latin Square arrangement, each for 7days. The intake of concentrate was determined using an external marker (chromium oxide, Cr2O3). The results showed that lambs fed V had a higher concentrate intake and ADG (P<0.05) compared to R, during the entire experimental period. The addition of vanilla and apple AFC increases the time required to consume 1 kg of dry matter (min) and increased meal duration, indicating an enhanced acceptability of the feed by the lambs. The likely reason is their ability to activate brain’s reward centers through olfactory and gustatory receptors. Citrus AFC had weaker effects, possibly due to their lower hedonic value or different neurobiological responses. No food neophobia was observed despite the weekly rotation of AFC. The results support the use of AFC additives, especially vanilla, as an effective strategy to increase intake and growth in lambs in the critical after weaning period, such as early weaning.