PRODUCCIÓN Y PERFIL DE ÁCIDOS GRASOS DE LA LECHE DE CABRAS ALIMENTADAS CON ENSILADO DE CANOLA (Brassica napus) EN SUSTITUCIÓN DE ENSILADO DE MAÍZ (Zea mays) EN RACIONES TOTALMENTE MEZCLADAS

Abstract

<p><strong>Background</strong>. Canola silage (EC) is a viable alternative to replace corn silage (EM) in ruminants feed, due to its nutritional value and source of polyunsaturated fatty acids to improve the quality milk fat. <strong>Objective</strong>. To evaluate the inclusion of EC as substitute for of EM in total mixed rations (TMR) on milk production, composition and fatty acids profile of goats at the end lactation. <strong>Methodology</strong>. Ten Alpine goats (49 ± 2.5 kg LW, 194 ± 18 days in lactation) were fed with completely mixed diets containing 25% EC plus 25% EM (experimental diet) and 50% EM (control diet). <strong>Results</strong>. Milk production in goats fed with EC was 33.46% higher (<em>P<</em>0.05) than in goats eating only ME as forage. The content of rumenic and vaccenic acids in milk increased (<em>P</em><0.05) 60 and 57%, respectively, with the inclusion of EC in the diet. There were not differences (<em>P</em>>0.05) in milk fat, protein and lactose content, nor in dry matter intake between treatments. <strong>Implications</strong>. EC as an alternative forage in combination with EM, it is a viable feeding strategy for small ruminants. <strong>Conclusions</strong>. The use of EC represents a feeding strategy to improve the fatty acid profile of milk without effecting the chemical composition of milk and the productive response of goats at the end of lactation.</p>