The Effect of Cotton Lint from Agribusiness in Diets on Intake, Digestibility, Nitrogen Balance, Blood Metabolites and Ingestive Behaviour of Rams

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior, and blood parameters of sheep fed with cotton lint levels. Twenty rams weighing 30.2 ± 3.7 kg and aged 12 ± 1.3 months were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and five repetitions. Diets consisted of 50% roughage and 50% concentrate. The treatments consisted of replacing corn with cotton lint at levels of 0, 70, 140, and 210 g/kg of dry matter (DM) of the diets. The animals’ feeding behavior was determined in the last three days of the experimental period. Data were subjected to regression analysis. Decreased linear effect (p < 0.05) was observed for the nutritional fraction’s intake. However, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) intake and plasma urea-N were not affected (p > 0.05) by lint levels. Apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein (CP), ethereal extract (EE), and non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) were affected (p < 0.05), except for total carbohydrate. There was a decreased linear effect (p < 0.05) for the intake efficiency of DM and NDF in g/h. The nitrogen balance (g/day) and glucose levels (mg/dL) were reduced with the addition of lint in the diet. The addition of cotton lint up to 70 g/kg in DM can be used over a short-term period.

Perfil Bioquímico De Ovinos Alimentados Com Diferentes Níveis De Inclusão De Farelo De Casca De Mandioca

“…A glicose apesar de contribuir na definição do perfil energético do animal, é um metabólito que sofre poucas alterações, visto que possui controle eficiente através de mecanismos homeostáticos e a sua proporção é pouco influenciada pela dieta fornecida ao animal (ZANINE et al, 2022;GOUVEIA et al, 2015). Portanto a partir dessa afirmação, é notório que os teores de glicose dos animais deste experimento não sofreram alterações, e isto significa possivelmente que a dieta oferecida não influenciou nos teores deste metabólito.…”

Animal Nutrition and Productions

“…The final study that falls within the research area of feed digestibility in farm animals is that of Zanine A. et al [15], who investigated the effect of cotton lint consumption on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and blood parameters in rams. Twenty rams weighing 30.2 ± 3.7 kg and aged 12 ± 1.3 months were studied and distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications.…”