The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of replacing corn with soybean hulls (SH) or Bermudagrass tifton hay (TH) on performance of sheep fed cactus-based diets. Three ruminally fistulated sheep were used in a 3 x 3 Latin square experiment with 21-day periods. All diets contained 75% spineless cactus (dry matter basis, DM) and formulated to be isonitrogenous. Fiber source had no influence on nutrient intakes except for the intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) which was lower (p<0.05) for animals fed corn relative to those fed SH or TH. Time expended in rumination and total chewing time were higher (p<0.05) for animals fed TH than those fed SH or corn. In vivo nutrient digestibilities were similar for all dietary treatments and averaged 69.6%, 74.8%, 69.9%, and 61.8% for DM, organic matter, crude protein, and NDF, respectively. Feeding SH relative to TH and corn decreased ruminal pH (p<0.05) and increased concentration of total volatile fatty acids (p<0.05). However, ruminal NH3-N concentration was higher (p<0.05) for animal fed TH than for those fed SH or corn. Abdominal distension and ruminal biofilm production were greater (p<0.05) in animals fed corn or SH than in those fed TH. It was concluded that replacing corn with SH or TH up to 15% of the diet DM in a cactus-based diet had no effect on nutrient intakes or total tract nutrient utilization. Changes in ruminal fermentation parameters reflected differences in ruminal degradability between the two fiber sources. Bermudagrass tifton hay was more effective than SH in reducing the risk of bloat associated with feeding high levels of spineless cactus to ruminants.
IntroduçãoO processo de debicagem consiste na remoção de parte do bico superior e inferior, feita geralmente com lâmina elétrica quente que corta e cauteriza o tecido do bico. É uma prática realizada nas granjas para reduzir as injúrias causadas pelo canibalismo e pela bicada das penas e cloaca; mortalidade excessiva e desperdício de ração, especialmente na fase de postura, que causa grandes prejuízos ao produtor (ROCHA et al 2008). Além disso, está também e utilizada para prevenir que as aves consumam seus ovos em casos de criações semi e extensivas, evitando o desperdício.Está prática e extremamente recorrente na produção avícola. Isso se dá pela sua praticidade, baixo custo e possibilidade de geração de economia durante a criação dos animais, uma vez que a taxa de mortalidade é reduzida.
Relato de ExperiênciaO processo de debicagem ocorreu durante as aulas da disciplina de avicultura, disciplina pertencente ao curso técnico em agropecuária do IFPE-Campus Vitória de Santo Antão. A atividade foi realizada na fase de cria das aves, dentro de um prazo de inferior a 10 dias da eclosão dos ovos.Antes de iniciar o processo propriamente dito organizou-se os equipamentos e utensílios necessários e verificou-se suas condições. Mediante confirmação de bom estado iniciou-se o processo. A
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