<b>Digestive parameters, production and quality of milk from Saanen goats fed rations with soybean hulls as a replacement for ground corn</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v29i3.563

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate digestive parameters, production and quality of milk from Saanen goats fed rations with soybean hulls (SBH) as a replacement for ground corn. Three Saanen does (52.35 kg ± 7.46), confined and first-kidding, were allocated in a 3 x 3 Latin square. Treatments consisted of replacement levels of ground corn for SBH (0% SBH, 50% SBH and 100% SBH), with 14.70% of CP and 2.23 Mcal of ME kg^-1 DMI as mean values. Intake and milk production were recorded daily. Feces were sampled for the determination of dry matter and nutrient digestibility, and ruminal liquid was collected to determine ruminal parameters. Milk samples were collected for physical-chemical analyses and fatty acid profiling. The higher (p < 0.05) starch intake was verified in the 0% SBH treatment. The treatments did not influence (p > 0.05) the dry matter and nutrient digestibility, production and physical-chemical quality of milk. The 100% SBH treatment provided higher concentration of ruminal acetate, higher acetate/propionate ratio and lower ruminal propionate and butyrate contents. Treatments did not change (p > 0.05) ruminal N-NH₃ and pH. The profile of fatty acids in the milk oscillated as a result of the treatments. Soybean hulls can replace ground corn rations for lactating Saanen goats without changes in the digestive process, production and quality of milk.