Apparent digestibility of rations with different levels of filter cake from sugar mill industries in lambs (Ovis aries L.)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted with 12 crossbreed wether in a completely randomized design to evaluate rations with different levels of filter cake and Coast Cross hay (Cynodon dactylon). The sheep received the experimental diets for 21 days, and in the last seven, total faeces and urine collections were made. Isoproteic and isoenergetic diets contained filter cake and Coast Cross hay as follow: A - 20% cake and 80% hay; B - 40% cake and 60% hay; C - 60% cake and 40% hay; D - 80% cake and 20% hay. Dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber and nitrogen-free extract intake decreased linearly (p<0.05) with increasing levels of filter cake. Except to nitrogen-free extract, apparent digestibilities of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract and TDN values were not affected by filter cake addition to the diets.