Multiple supplements of self feed for growing steers in the rainy season: nutrient intake and ingestive parameters

Abstract

The effect of supplements of self feed on the digestive kinetic parameters and nutrient intake of crossbred steers grazing Brachiaria decumbens in the rainy season was evaluated. Four crossbred steers fistulated in the rumen, abomasum and esophagus were fed mineral salt (SAL) and supplements based on: urea, mineral mix, grounded corn grain and soybean meal (MFS); urea, mineral mix, soybean meal and corn gluten meal (FGFS); or urea, mineral mix, wheat bran and soybean meal (FTFS), with average protein content of 53.60%. No difference (P>0.05) was observed for the intakes of DM, OM, DM of pasture, OM of pasture, TC, NDF and NFC averaging 9.66, 9.14, 8.19, 7.33, 6.18, and 1.24 kg/day, respectively. However, significant (P<0.05) effects were observed for CP intake, and the supplemented animals showed higher (51%) CP intake than the control animals (SAL). No treatment effect on ruminal passage rate (L) averaging 0.0251 h-1 was observed. Average total retention time in the gastrointestinal tract (TMRT) was of 88.00 hours.