Comparative study of digestibility of native legumes with sheeps and goats in the "sertao" of Ceara II. In vivo digestibility of mata-pasto hay

Abstract

Six sheep and six goats, adults and castrated males were used to evaluate the nutritive value of the mata-pasto (Cassia spp.) hay. Experimental animals were kept in elevated metabolism crates for a 14-day adaptation period followed by a seven day collection period of total feces and urine. The animals were given ad libitum access to forage consumption, water and mineralized salt. Crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and KMnO₄ lignin contents were, respectively, 7.6, 66.7 and 14.2%. Values of dry matter and crude protein intakes of sheep were significantly (P < 0.01) greater than those of goats. For sheep, intake of digestibile dry matter was 24.3 g/kg^.75/day and the digestibilities of organic matter, dry matter and N were respectively 53.9, 60.0 and 59.5%. Due to physiological status of goats values of those parameters were not obtained for this animal specieis. Sheep N balance was superior (P < 0.05) to the goats. The mata-pasto hay showed a greater potential of utilization by sheep than by goats.