Abstract
The objective was to evaluate the potential of using Euterpe precatoria Mart seed to feed pigs. Diets were prepared with different levels of inclusion of açaí seed (0; 7.5; 15 and 22.5%), resulting from the extraction of the stern. Forty four castrated weighing approximately 15 kg and average 60 days of birth pigs were used, distributed in four groups according to the level of inclusion of açaí kernel. After 56 days of feeding, the pigs' performance and economic viability were evaluated. There was no significant difference in daily feed intake, final weight, weight gain and feed conversion between groups of treatments to the statistical test. The inclusion of up to 22.5% of açaí kernels in the diet did not result in a statistical difference in the thickness of backfat, percentage of lean meat and carcass yield, however it increased the gross and partial net revenue and the economic viability in the test, demonstrating the potential from açaí seed for the production of slow-growing crossbred pigs in the Amazon region, especially in properties that exploit the sustainable extraction of açaí and that can reduce the impact of the fruit residue on the environment when using this by-product in animal feed. Reducing production costs and allowing the promotion of sustainable development in the Amazon region.
Highlights
The açaí tree (Euterpe precatoria Mart.) stands out for its abundance and for producing important food for the populations in the Amazon region
Research shows that the seeds, as a by-product obtained in the extraction of the pulp, correspond to about 90% of the total weight of the fruits and can be used in animal feed (Guimarães and Storti Filho, 2004; Gomes et al, 2012; Arruda et al, 2018), especially in circumstances where an attempt is being made to increase the participation of fiber in the diet (Townsend et al, 2001)
The samples were sent to the Animal Bromatology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria Campus Palmeira das Missões, for analysis of dry matter (DM), mineral matter (MM) and crude protein (CP) (Micro-Kjeldahl) following the methods described by AOAC (1995), fat (EE) by Bligh and Dyer (1959), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) by the method of Van Soest et al, (1991)
Summary
The açaí tree (Euterpe precatoria Mart.) stands out for its abundance and for producing important food for the populations in the Amazon region. For Figueiredo and Soares (2012) it is necessary to use zootechnical practices that maximize animal welfare, the quality of the product produced and the economic return of non-intensive systems, so that they produce properly without the use of inputs external to the property and without harm their health and well-being In this context, research on nutrition seeks alternative ingredients that combine affordable price, continuous supply and guarantee good levels of animal efficiency (Moreira et al, 2013). Research on nutrition seeks alternative ingredients that combine affordable price, continuous supply and guarantee good levels of animal efficiency (Moreira et al, 2013) In view of this scenario, studies with alternative foods are being carried out with the purpose of enabling the use in the swine diet, according to each category, constituting a regionalized option with reduction of production costs and benefiting producers and animals.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
