Effect of adding Tifton-85 hay (Cynodon spp.) to whole grain corn-based diets for growing cattle

Efeito da adição de feno de Tifton-85 (Cynodon spp.) a dietas à base de milho integral para bovinos em crescimento

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of adding Tifton-85 hay (Cynodon spp.) as a source of fiber on the consumption, digestibility and recovery of undegraded corn in feces in diets of growing cattle based on whole grain corn. The experiment was carried out in two simultaneous Latin squares, using 8 Holstein x Gir crossbred calves. The treatments consisted of four whole grain corn diets: the control treatment (F0) consisted of a diet without roughage, containing 85% whole grain corn and 15% pellets (pelletized supplement), in addition to the inclusion of three levels of hay. Tifton-85: 0.2% (F2); 0.4% (F4) and 0.8% (F8) of body weight. The inclusion of hay had no impact on dry matter intake (DMI), protein intake (CPB) and mineral matter intake (DMC). No significant differences were observed in dry matter digestibility (DMS), protein digestibility (DPB) and mineral matter digestibility (DMM). However, there was a significant increase in the consumption of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and its digestibility (DFDN). The addition of hay resulted in a reduction in the amount of corn present in feces, indicating greater breakdown of the corn due to chewing. Furthermore, there was a lower percentage of corn retained in feces on the 4mm sieve. These results suggest that the inclusion of hay in whole corn-based diets may be a viable nutritional strategy to increase dietary energy efficiency.