Highlights• Three diet distribution methods were compared on feedlot lambs.• Pelletizing the total mixed ration (PTMR) improved the nitrogen value of the diet.• Lambs fed with PTMR grew faster than those fed with total mixed ration in bulk (BTMR).• In the absence of forage chopping and pelleting machines, the growth rate of Barbarine lamb fed non-chopped straw and concentrate separately (CON, farmer practice) is satisfactory.• The net return was highest with the PTMR treatment.