Author(s): MORENO, G. M. B.; BORBA, H.; ARAUJO, G. G. L. de; VOLTOLINI, T. V.; MORAES, S. A. de; SILVA SOBRINHO, A. G. da; BOAVENTURA NETO, O.; LIMA JUNIOR, D. M. de; CIRNE, L. G. A; BUZANSKAS, M. E.

Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate feed intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, water balance, and performance of lambs fed diets containing old man saltbush hay associated with a concentrate. Thirtytwo castrated feedlot Santa Inês lambs at approximately eight months of age, with 22 ± 1.97 kg body weight, were distributed into a completely randomized experimental design. Acid detergent fiber intake increased (P < 0.05), whereas non-fibrous carbohydrates intake decreased (P < 0.01). Inclusion of old man saltbush in the diet reduced (P < 0.01) the digestibility of dry and organic matter, neutral and acid detergent fiber, and non-fibrous arbohydrates. The intakes of digestible dry and organic matter, ether extract, total carbohydrates, and digestible non-fibrous carbohydrates also decreased (P < 0.01). Inclusion of old man saltbush did not influence water consumption from the trough by the sheep, averaging 4327.20 mL/day?1. Body weight at slaughter and daily weight gain decreased linearly (P <0.05) and feed conversion worsened as old man saltbush hay was added to the diet. Inclusion of old man saltbush at up to 40% replacing the concentrate in feedlot lamb diets does not compromise the performance of these animals.

Publication year: 2017

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Semi-arid Region

Keywords: Alimentação animal, Alimento Alternativo, Alternative feedstuff, Confinamento, Cordeiro, Digestibilidade, Feedlot, Feno, Ganho de Peso, Intake, Nutrição Animal, Ovino, Weight gain