<b>Whole cottonseed as fiber and protein source in forage-cactus-based diets for lactating dairy cows: digestibility</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v27i3.1205

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of five levels of whole cottonseed (0.00; 6.25; 12.50; 18.75; e 25.00%) in partial replacement of soybean meal and sorghum silage, on the apparent nutrients digestibility and apparent minerals absorption. Five Holstein cows were assigned in one (5X5) latin square design. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, total carbohydrates, nonfiber carbohydrates, neutral detergent fiber and TDN estimated in a digestibility trial was not affected by whole cottonseed levels (69.25; 69.33; 68.37; 81.42; 49.52; 47.29; and 70.62%, respectively). The crude protein apparent digestibility decreased and ether extract apparent digestibility increased linearly by the increase of whole cottonseed. Minerals apparent absorption was not affected by whole cottonseed levels (50.67; 35.7; 91.03; 86.38; and 29.17% for Ca, P, K, Na e Mg, respectively)