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Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Pecuarias
Print version ISSN 0120-0690On-line version ISSN 2256-2958
Abstract
BEZERRA-MORENO, Greicy-Mitzi et al. Feeding behavior of lambs fed diets containing old man saltbush hay. Rev Colom Cienc Pecua [online]. 2021, vol.34, n.4, pp.267-277. Epub Oct 21, 2022. ISSN 0120-0690. https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v34n4a03.
Background:
We hypothesized that a diet with old man saltbush hay used as an alternative source of nutrients could partially replace the concentrate in the feeding of feedlot lambs.
Objective:
This study evaluated the behavior and performance of lambs fed diets containing increasing levels of old man saltbush hay plus concentrate.
Methods:
Twenty-four castrated Santa Inês lambs at approximately eight months of age (22 ± 1.97 kg) were confined in a randomized complete design and fed diets containing 30, 40, 50, and 60% (dry matter: DM) of old man saltbush hay.
Results:
The intake of DM and neutral detergent fiber was not affected (p>0.05) by the level of old man saltbush hay. Intake of mineral salt decreased (p<0.01) as the proportion of old man saltbush in the diet increased. Weight gain (kg) and feed efficiency worsened (p<0.05) with 40% inclusion of old man salt bush hay. The time spent on feeding and chewing increased (p<0.05), while idle time was reduced (p<0.01) with dietary inclusion of old man saltbush. Feed efficiency decreased (p<0.05) with the inclusion of old man saltbush.
Conclusion:
Dietary inclusion of old man saltbush affects the feeding behavior and performance of lambs in feedlot.
Keywords : alternative feedstuff; chewing; ethology; feed efficiency; intake; feedlot; lamb; old man saltbush; rumination efficiency; sheep; weight gain.