Ruminal modulator additive effect of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium bark in feedlot lambs.

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the inclusion effects of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium (barbatimão) extracts in substitution of the lasalocid sodium on the ingestive behaviour, intake, ruminal parameters, and digestibility of feedlot lambs. Twenty-four pantaneiro lambs were used, with an average age of 150 ± 4.59days and an initial body weight of 21.2 ± 3.63kg. The lambs were distributed in three treatments in an experimental design with randomized blocks. The treatments correspond to the additive supplements: LAS (0.019g of lasalocid sodium/lamb/d); DGB (1.50g of barbatimão dried ground bark/lamb/d); DHE (0.30g of barbatimão dry hydroalcoholic extract/lamb/d). The DHE increased 59.74min in the time spent for ingestion per day, resulting in an efficiency reduction of dry matter (DM) ingestion (127g of DM/h of feed). There was a reduction of 1.8mg/dL in the ammoniacal nitrogen concentration with extract supplementation compared to LAS. The DGB reduced total volatile fatty acids by 48.9% compared to the control treatment. The inclusion of barbatimão extracts (DGB and DHE) reduced 12.05% of ruminal butyrate content. The supplementation of barbatimão extracts replacing lasalocid sodium in the diet of feedlot lambs did not affect intake and caused small changes on ingestive behaviour.