Abstract
The crude glycerin is a byproduct of the biodiesel industry which has high levels of glycerol and can be utilized by ruminants for obtaining energy. This research was conducted in order to evaluate the performance, carcass characteristics and economic feasibility of lambs fed diets containing crude glycerin replacing ground corn. 24 non-castrated lambs (Pantaneiro racial grouping) at 90 days of age and average body weight of 20.02 ± 1.5 kg were used. We evaluated diets containing 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% inclusion of crude glycerin on dry matter of the diet replacing ground corn. The parameters evaluated were the consumption of dry matter and nutrients, weight gain, feed conversion, biometric measurements in vivo and carcass characteristics, in addition to the cost of the diet based on the carcass production. Animals reduced dry matter intake as doses of crude glycerin were increased. However, no differences to the weight gain of the animals were observed. Thus, animals fed crude glycerin showed better feed conversion rates and lower feeding cost which contributed to higher profit margin of the diets with crude glycerin. It is concluded that at the doses tested, the crude glycerin can be used in the diet of finishing lambs, however only at the level of 7.5% becomes economically feasible.
Highlights
The crude glycerin is a byproduct generated from the production of biodiesel, which has key features such as high concentrations of glycerol, methanol and fatty acids
Little is known about the effect of crude glycerin on performance and carcass characteristics of sheep, and how its use reduces production costs
The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the use of diets with 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% crude glycerin in feeding of lambs raised in confinement, and their effects on performance and carcass characteristics of these animals, as well the economic feasibility of these diets
Summary
MATERIAL AND METHODSThe crude glycerin is a byproduct generated from the production of biodiesel, which has key features such as high concentrations of glycerol, methanol and fatty acids. According to Meale et al (2013) glycerol and lipids present in the crude glycerin are potential energy sources for animals.
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