<b>Nutritional value of diets containing cassava scrapings for feedlot sheep</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v31i4.7153

Abstract

The nutritional value of diets containing 0; 12; 24; 36 and 48% of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) scrapings (CS) was evaluated for feedlot sheep. Twenty crossbred Santa Inês sheep, with average initial body weight of 17.0 ± 2.6 kg and 4-5 months of age were used in a performance and digestibility experiment. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted with five treatments (diets) and four replications (sheep). The inclusion of CS reduced (p < 0.05) NDF intake: Ŷg day^-1 = 373.67 - 2.58X, R² = 0.39; Ŷ%BW = 1.29 - 0.008X, R² = 0.61 and Ŷg/BW^0.75 = 29.89 - 0.19X, R² = 0.56, as NDF digestible (Ŷg day^-1 = 191.33 - 1.37X, R² = 0.25). There was no effect (p > 0.05) of the inclusion level of CS on weight gain and feed conversion, with averages of 252.66 g day^-1 and 4.86, respectively. The inclusion of CS increased linearly (p < 0.05) the digestibility of DM (Ŷ = 71.35 + 0.16X; R² = 0.73), CP (Ŷ = 64.42 + 0.19X; R² = 0.27) and ADF (Ŷ = 31.77 + 0.22X; R² = 0.22). The nutritional value of diets with CS justify its use as an alternative ingredient of diets for ruminants in feedlot, and adjustments in diets to nutrients requirements are necessary, particularly protein.