Efeito da torta de dendê no consumo e digestibilidade de dietas para ovinos

Abstract

The aim was to evaluate ingestive behavior and establish optimum inclusion level of palm cake in sheep diet. Eighteen crossbred castrated rams were fed palm cake inclusion levels of 0%, 7.5%, 15% and 22.5% in total diet and kept in metabolic cages during the experiment that lasted 21 days. Data were subjected to regression analysis with 5% of significance for regression coefficients and equations. There was reduction in dry matter (DM), hemicellulose, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP), total digestible nutrients, total carbohydrates and mineral matter intakes (P <0.01) and no significant differences in cellulose, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and non-fiber carbohydrates intakes (P>0.05). Ether extract and lignin intakes increased (P<0.01) with reduction in crude energy (CE), DM, CP, cellulose, hemicellulose and NDF digestibilities (P<0.05). The metabolizable energy (ME): CE ratio reduced because fecal CE increased (P <0.01) and nitrogen balance decreased (P<0.01). In order to compensate for unavailability of nutrients caused by palm cake, urinary excretion and feces moisture (P<0.05) reduced. There were no significant differences in total chew time, ingestion, rumination and leisure (P>0.05). Rumination and feed efficiencies (g DM / h; g NDF / h) showed no significant differences (P>0.05) and decreased (P<0,05), respectively. Palm cake inclusion levels higher than 7,5% in sheep diet reduces consumption and digestibility of nutrients with possible performance damages, especially in high-producing animals.