<b>Forage potential of sugarcane varieties for ruminant feeding</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v31i1.498

Abstract

There is currently great interest in sugarcane utilization during dry weather periods due to its capacity of high carbohydrate production and because it can be stored naturally with little loss in nutritional value. Thus, an experiment was performed in the experimental Station of Barra do Choça and in the Itapetinga of UESB campus, to identify the potential of different sugarcane varieties for animal feeding. Twenty-three sugarcane varieties were harvested 16 months after planting, and evaluated using a completely randomized complete block design with two repetitions. Agronomic and bromatological characteristics were estimated. Diversity was verified among the varieties for the studied characteristics. The levels of ashes, ether extract and crude protein found were low, which evidenced the need for supplementation in sugarcane-based diets. The RB76-5418, CB47-355, CP-5122 and SP80-2015 sugarcane varieties presented potential for continuing animals studies due to the larger equilibrium between the agronomic and bromatological characteristics that can improve animal performance.