Clinical evaluation and digestibility of banana (Musa spp.) compared to the Coast Cross hay (Cynodon sp.) as food for sheep

Abstract

The objective of this work was to carry out a feeding trial to evaluate the nutritional aspects of the aerial part of the banana in healthy sheep. In the first trial, twelve ewes were used in the tests to determine the digestibility of banana dry matter. In the second, six sheep were used with ruminal cannulas to evaluate the content of dry matter, crude protein, neutral and acid detergent fiber. Three treatments were analyzed: (A) stalk plus dried banana leaves, (B) dried banana stalk and (C) dried banana leaves. The leaves and stems of the banana tree proved to be an alternative source of nutrition for sheep, which, when properly formulated, does not compromise animal health.