Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of sunflower cake (SC) on nutrient intake and ingestive behavior in lactating cows. Eight multiparous Holstein x Zebu cows, between 50 and 74 lactation days and 20 ± 2 kg of milk per day, were allocated in a 4 x 4 double latin square design, where the factors were four inclusion levels of SC (0; 7; 14 and 21%). Tifton 85 hay was used as forage in a 60:40 ratio of forage: concentrate. There was no detectable effect of the inclusion of SC (P > 0.05) on dry matter, crude protein and organic matter intake. However, ether extract and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake, showed linear and quadratic effect (P < 0.05), respectively. The time spent ruminating, idling and standing was not altered by addition of SC to the rations, but the time spent in food and water intake was linearly influenced (P < 0.05). Rumination efficiency, expressed in gDM/h and gNDF/h, the total chewing time, number of ruminal bolus and number of chews per day did not differ significantly, except for feeding efficiency that varied of quadratic way (P < 0.05). In a feeding management, if there is availability, it is recommended the use of sunflower cake up to 21% inclusion in the concentrate ration of dairy cows.
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