Embrapa Cocais, São Luís Rei de França Avenue, 4, Square 11, Turu, São Luís, Maranhão 65065-470, Brazil
M.C.P. Rogério
Embrapa Sheep and Goats, Three Lagoon Farm, Sobral-Groaíras Road, km 04, Sobral, Ceará 62010-970, Brazil
M.S.S. Carneiro
Department of Zootechny at the Federal University of Ceará, Campus Pici, Fortaleza, Ceará 60020-181, Brazil
L.C. Muniz
Department of Zootechny at the State University of Maranhão – UEMA, Cidade Universitária Paulo VI, Avenue Lourenço Vieira da Silva, n° 1000 – Bairro: Jardim São Cristovão, São Luís, Maranhão 65055-310, Brazil
E.P. Brasil
Department of Zootechny at the State University of Maranhão – UEMA, Cidade Universitária Paulo VI, Avenue Lourenço Vieira da Silva, n° 1000 – Bairro: Jardim São Cristovão, São Luís, Maranhão 65055-310, Brazil
A.R. Araújo
Tech College of Floriano, Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, BR 343 KM 3.5, Floriano, Piauí 64808-605, Brazil; Corresponding author.
R.M. Fontenele
Institute Center of Technological Education, Faculdade de Tecnologia CENTEC – Sertão Central, Geraldo Bizarria de Carvalho Street, Quixeramobim, Ceará 63800-000, Brazil
N.J.M. Batista
State University of Piauí, Campus Corrente, Avenida Joaquim Nogueira de Oliveira, S/N, bairro Aeroporto, Corrente, Piauí 64980-000, Brazil
Cashew nut meal (CNM) is widely used in tropical countries due to the high protein and energy levels; therefore, it has potential to be an alternative feed supplementation for livestock. Our objective was to evaluate the use of CNM as feed supplement for lambs. Twenty-four lambs were divided into a randomized block design with four treatments, starting with a diet control of Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) hay and CNM as a supplement at three different levels representing 6, 12, and 18% of the total mixed ration (TMR) provided. There were evaluated intake (g/day and g/kgBW0.75); the digestibility of DM and nutrients; nitrogen balance; and ingestive behavior. The CP and ether extract (EE) intake (g/day) as well as DM, and organic matter (OM) intake (g/kgBW0.75) were influenced by supplementation with CNM in a positive linear increase (P < 0.05). The digestibility of DM, OM and NDF increased according to the levels of CNM up to 12% and markedly decreased at the higher level (P < 0.05). The EE and CP digestibility raised according to the CNM levels (P < 0.05) and consequently increased the nitrogen retention resulting in a positive nitrogen balance. The protein and energetic characteristics of CNM show that it can be used as an alternative supplementation to low-quality forages for lambs. However, its use as a single supplement ingredient above 7% on total mixed ration may reduce fiber digestibility.
