RESUMEN

The objective of this study was to evaluate feed intake and digestibility and ruminal characteristics of development-stage calves fed mulatto II (Brachiaria sp.) grass hay (MGH) and a protein supplement (PS) consisting of increasing levels of the parota (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) pod (PP). We used eight Swiss-zebu calves in growth stage with an average age of 11 months and initial average weight of 157.6 ± 8.5 kg. They were distributed in a repeated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 4 treatments (period 30 days): 0% (PP0), 25% (PP25), 50% (PP50), and 75% (PP75) of the PP. Calves in the PP0 and PP25 treatments had higher intake of PS and MGH as dry matter (DM) than those in the PP50 and PP75 treatments (p < 0.05). Organic matter intake (OMI) of the PP75 calves was lower than that of PP0 and PP25 calves. Crude protein intakes (CPI) of PP0 and PP25 calves were higher than those of PP50 and PP75 calves (p < 0.05). Apparent digestibility of crude protein was higher in the PP0, PP25, and PP50 treatments compared with that in treatment PP75 (p < 0.05). The treatments did not affect total bacterial count, cellulolytic bacterial count, cellulase enzymatic activity, volatile fatty acids, or the acetate/propionate ratio (p > 0.05). Rumen pH in the PP0 calves was higher than that of the PP25 calves, whereas the protozoa count and ammonia content were higher in PP0 calves than in PP75 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of 25% PP in the PS for forage-fed calves is a feeding alternative.

Asunto(s)

Alimentación Animal , Rumen , Alimentación Animal/análisis , Animales , Bovinos , Dieta/veterinaria , Fibras de la Dieta/metabolismo , Digestión , Ingestión de Alimentos , Fermentación , Rumen/metabolismo , Destete

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of Agave tequilana inulin and Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) on growth performace, hematological variables, serum metabolites, and total coliforms in nursing lambs. METHODS: The experimental design was completely randomized; treatments were T1, control (pre-starter concentrate, PC), T2: T1+2% inulin, and T3: T1+2% inulin+L. casei; treatments were compared with Tukey test (p≤0.05); and 45 new born Kathadin×Dorset lambs (4.8±0.8 kg birth weight) were the experimental units (15 per treatment). The variables were daily weight gain (DWG), dry matter intake and diarrheas incidence (%) during 56 d. Twenty-four hours after birth and at the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected to evaluate hematological variables and serum metabolites. Besides, the populations of total coliforms and lactobacilli were estimated in fecal samples. RESULTS: Addition of agave inulin and L. casei increased (p≤0.05) DWG 356, 384, and 415 g/d, weaning weight 24.92, 26.18, and 28.07 kg, as well as lactobacilli population 5.79, 6.32, and 6.48 Log10 cfu/g, for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Lambs fed L. casei had decreased (p≤0.05) populations of total coliforms (T1 = 6.18, T2 = 5.77, and T3 = 5.07 Log10 cfu/g), diarrheas incidence (T1 = 11.67%, T2 = 8.33%, and T3 = 5.0%), and serum cholesterol concentration (11% in T2 and 13% in T3, compared to control). CONCLUSION: The combination of Agave tequilana inulin and L. casei increases weight gain and improves intestinal health by reducing coliforms and diarrheas incidence in Katahdin× Dorset lambs during the pre-weaning period.