Viabilidade do uso de dietas com grão total para bubalinos

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the dry matter intake, performance, and economic viability of buffaloes submitted to whole grain diets compared to diets containing forage. Twelve non-castrated Murah buffalo herds were fed in complete confinement. Dietary treatments for 63 days of comparison period. The treatments consisted of (Engordin 38) 100% concentrate diet and (Engordin 10) 70% concentrate diet plus 30% forage based on dry matter. Samples of the ingredients and food leftovers from each animal were collected to determine dry matter and weight, to calculate individual consumption and feed efficiency. Blood collection for eighteen hours to determine Plasma urea nitrogen (PUN). Buffalo live weight was determined at the beginning of the experimental period and every seven days of the comparison. Daily weight gain was calculated for each of the nine weeks and the economic viability of the two diets, through food costs. Animals fed total grain diet (Engordin 38) had lower dry matter intake (DMC lb) and (DMC % LW) than animals fed Engordin 10. Initial live weight (ILW), Final live weight (LLW), carcass, average daily weight gain (DWD) of animals in kg did not differ statistically between treatments. Regarding carcass yield, animals fed with Engordin 38 differed statistically. The PUN after the first feeding was higher in Engordin 10 fed animals. Engordin 38 buffaloes had lower feeding cost and higher carcass yield.