Uso de palma forrageira mais caroço de algodão em substituição à dieta de alto grão para búfalos confinados.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake, in vitro digestibility of dry matter, ruminal parameters and ingestive behavior of Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) fed different levels of cactus pear associated to cottonseed in substitution to the very grain diet. A completely randomized design was used in which twenty-four male Murrah buffalos male, not castrated between eight and ten months and body weight 300 ± 14.1 kg were identified. The treatments consisted of four levels of cactus pear associated to cottonseed (0, 33, 66 and 100% in total dry matter) replacing completely very grain diet (corn grain and protein concentrate only). The experimental period was of 125 days. For the evaluation of ingestivo behavior, the animals were observed individually every 10 minutes for 24 hours. The number of times that the animal defecated, urinated and ingested water. Data were submitted to linear and quadratic regression and Person correlation with significance P<0.05. There was a quadratic increase (maximum level of 67%) on intake (kg/day) of the dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ash, calcium, phosphorus, non-fibrous carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients (P<0.01) with the addition of cactus pear associated to cottonseed replacing the very grain diet. The dry matter in vitro digestibility and pH ruminal increased linearly (P<0.01) however N-NH3 concentration reduced with the inclusion of cactus pear associated to cottonseed replacing diets with very concentrate content. Feeding and total chewing times increased linearly (P<0.05) with the addition of cactus pear associated to cottonseed. However, the time of inactivity reduced linearly (P<0.05) with the diets. Rumination time and number of cakes chewed (n/day) were did not (P>0.05) influenced by the inclusion of cactus pear associated to cottonseed. The chewing variables presented a quadratic reduction (P <0.001) when the cactus pear associated to cottonseed was included in the buffalo feed. The time of defecation and drink of water increased linearly (P <0.05) and urine excretion was not affected (P> 0.05) by the inclusion of cactus pear associated to cottonseed. It is recommended to include cactus pear associated to cottonseed replacing high-grain diet up to 67% because they improve nutrient intake, in vitro digestibility, pH, and food feeding and rumination efficiency.