Avaliação de volumoso extrusado com diferentes níveis de fibra

Abstract

Extruded bulky feed is a fibrous feed subjected to the extrusion process, which combines heat, pressure and mechanical shear, promoting physical and chemical modifications in the fibrous ingredients, with the aim of improving their digestibility and palatability. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of inclusion of fiber from Brachiaria (52.5%, 60%, 65% and 70%) in extruded diets on the intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, physiological and biochemical parameters of sheep. A test was carried out to determine dry matter intake (DMI) and apparent dry matter digestibility (DDM). Blood collection for analysis of blood metabolites was performed by jugular venipuncture. Ingestive behavior was evaluated for 24 hours. A completely randomized design was used, with four treatments and five replicates. Treatment means were compared using Tukey's test at a 5% significance level. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in dry matter intake, digestibility, water intake, fecal score and weight, or serum parameters of cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, albumin and total protein. However, the increase in fiber content significantly influenced (P<0.05) ingestive behavior, with an increase in rumination and chewing time in treatments with higher fiber inclusion, especially at 65%. Idle time was reduced at higher fiber levels, indicating greater digestive activity. Blood glucose varied significantly throughout the day (P=0.0118), but not between treatments. It is concluded that the extruded feed, even with high fiber levels, maintained intake and digestibility, promoted beneficial changes in ingestive behavior without compromising the physiological and biochemical parameters of the sheep