Ruminal parameters and ruminal degradability of feedlot sheep fed safflower grains

Jefferson Leonardo Rocha Alves,Aguinaldo Yoshio Nakamura,Jefferson Rodrigues Gandra,Antônio Campanha Martinez,Luiz Carlos Ferreira de Souza,Rafael Henrique de Tonissi e Buschinelli de Goes

doi:10.1590/s1519-99402018000300009

Abstract

SUMMARY This study aimed to evaluate the rumen degradability of dry matter (DM), disappearance of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of Tifton 85 hay, and fermentation parameters (pH and ruminal ammonia nitrogen) of sheep fed diets with inclusion of safflower grains (0, 7.50 and 15%). Three mixed breed lambs with average body weight of 35.50± 1.50 kg were used. The rumen degradability of dry matter and NDF of the Tifton 85 haywas analyzedby the disappearance of DM and NDF, and the kinetic parameters adjusted according to the first order asymptotic model. The samples were incubated in the rumen in descending order (96, 48, 24, 12, 6, 3, 0 hours). The determination of ruminal pH and ruminal ammonia nitrogen (RAN) was performed before feeding and 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours after feeding. Data of ruminal fermentation were tested by analysis of variance with repeated measures in time, at 5% probability. Ruminal pH values were not statistically different. When evaluating the RAN, there was a significant difference between the times and treatments for the diet with 15% safflower. The diets presented low effective degradability of DM and NDF with mean values of 18.02% and 47.40%, respectively. The safflower grain can be used up to 7.50% in the diets without altering the degradability and ruminal fermentation.

Highlights

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an annual cycle oilseed of the family Asteraceae, which adapts well to various types of soils and climates, mainly the semi-arid
Safflower becomes an additional option in ruminant feeding, especially in sheep farming, which tends to increase due to the organization of the sector in the domestic market and the tendency of growth in the area in a promising way (POLI et al, 2008), leaving the activity more interesting to the producer, favoring the entry of new breeders (SOUZA et al, 2016)
Tifton 85 hay presented low effective degradability (Table 3), regardless of the level of safflower used, with values for the soluble fraction of 8.09, 8.77 and 6.03 for 0, 7.50 and 15% inclusion levels, respectively. These values are explained by the high content of ether extract in the diet, which makes it difficult the attachment of the ruminal bacteria (OLIVEIRA et al, 2009) and the high concentration (80% concentrate and 20% forage) of concentrate in the diet

Summary

Introduction

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an annual cycle oilseed of the family Asteraceae, which adapts well to various types of soils and climates, mainly the semi-arid. Safflower becomes an additional option in ruminant feeding, especially in sheep farming, which tends to increase due to the organization of the sector in the domestic market and the tendency of growth in the area in a promising way (POLI et al, 2008), leaving the activity more interesting to the producer, favoring the entry of new breeders (SOUZA et al, 2016). In order for the food to be used efficiently, it is necessary to synchronize several factors in the digestive tract such as: pH, temperature, anaerobiosis, substrate and rate of passage of food through the digestive tract. To evaluate the ruminal environment, it is necessary to evaluate ruminal parameters such as ruminal pH and ammonia nitrogen and dry matter degradability (LIMA, 2008). The goal of this study was to evaluate thein situ degradability of the dry matter of Tifton 85 hay and the ruminal parameters in diets with inclusion of increasing levels of safflower grain

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Conclusion