Metabolic dynamics of native lambs fed with Tifton 85 hay or Maniçoba hay associated with the spineless cactus

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolic response of native lambs fed Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon dactylon) or Maniçoba hay (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) associated with spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). Sixteen Morada Nova lambs were used, with a mean initial weight of 19.36±1.48kg, distributed in a randomized block design, with two treatments and eight replications. Dry matter intake was higher for lambs fed Maniçoba hay compared to Tifton hay, while the body weight at slaughter was not influenced by diets. Regarding the blood metabolites, only the serum concentration of urea was influenced, with higher value observed in the lambs that fed the diet containing Tifton hay. When analyzing blood biomarkers, in the different biweekly collections, a linear increase in the blood concentration of urea, glucose, fructosamine, alkaline phosphatase and sodium was observed, as well as a quadratic effect for serum potassium. The other blood metabolites were not influenced in function of the collection days. The replacement of Tifton 85 hay for Maniçoba hay does not cause negative changes in the dynamics of different biomarkers and presents itself as a promising forage resource.

Nutritional and mineral composition of Opuntia stricta Haw: Balance of macrominerals, renal function and blood metabolites in sheep

“…Considering that its excretion is only carried out via the kidney since it is not reabsorbed or reused by the animal organism, the decreased values of this variable can be considered as an indication of an increase in the rate of renal filtration, because of the effective participation of ingestion of water as well as the presence of forage palm, which provides water ingestion via food (Araújo et al, 2012). Other researchers also observed a reduction in the serum creatinine concentration of sheep in response to the increase in the percentage of spineless cactus in the diet (Araújo et al, 2012;Soares et al, 2020). In the present study, the experimental diets were based on spineless cactus, and as is known, this food has high water content and a low dry matter content, which causes a diuretic effect, also related to its high content of K.…”

“…The influence of the concentration of spineless cactus in the diet promoted a decrease in the serum Ca concentration and this profile has been followed in other studies (Santos et al, 2009;Araújo et al, 2012;Soares et al, 2020). The serum concentration of Ca is related to the intake of Ca in the diet, as well as by the action of components capable of making this mineral unavailable, through interaction mechanisms (González, 2000).…”

Intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior and performance of goats fed spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal

“…In addition, maybe an increase in microbial protein synthesis (Cardoso et al, 2019). However, it must be consumed in association with physically effective fiber sources (Soares et al, 2020).…”