Abstract

MACOME, F.M. et al. Ingestive and physiological responses of lambs fed palm kernel meal (Elaeis guineensis). Arch. zootec. [online]. 2012, vol.61, n.235, pp.335-342. ISSN 1885-4494.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0004-05922012000300002.

The aim of this study was to know the best level of inclusion of palm kernel meal in the diet through ingestive behavior, and physiological parameters. Thirty two Santa Ines non castred male sheep, averaging 24,48±3,59 kg of initial body weight were studied. The animals were housed in individual pens, were distribuited in a completely randomized design with four treatments: (0, 6.5, 13.0, and 19.5%). The diets were composed of maize meal, soybean meal, palm kernel meal, mineral premix and Tifton hay as roughage, being provided twice daily, at 9:00 am and 4:00 pm at a ratio of 50:50 roughage concentrate proportion. The experimental period lasted 80 days (10 days for diet and environmental adaptation). The intake of solids and water and performance of animals was evaluated. The animals were weighed at the beginning and end of the experiment and the average daily gain was determined. The ingestion time (min/day) and efficiency of dry matter intake (g/h) showed a quadratic response; rumination time (min/day) and dry matter intake (g/day) showed a negative linear effect; rumination time and consumption of dry matter showed a linear effect and the intake of neutral detergent fiber and rumination efficiency of the fiber showed an increasing linear effect. Levels of palm kernel meal up to 19.5% in the diet did not affect time spent on leisure and total chewing, respiratory frequency, rectal temperature and superficial temperature. However, heart rate behavior decreased linearly with the addition of palm kernel cake in the diet. There was no effect of the addition of palm kernel meal on final weight and average daily gain. The inclusion of palm kernel meal up to 19.5% affects some parameters of ingestive behavior, but does not alter significantly the ingestive behavior. Was not observed any effect of palm kernel meal addition on the number of periods of eating, ruminating or leisure (p>0.05). The environmental variables during the experimental situation provided animal thermal discomfort.

Keywords : Feeding; Idle; Rumination; Sheep; Wellfare.

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