Balanço de macrominerais, função renal e metabólitos sanguíneos em ovinos alimentados com palma orelha-de-elefante mexicana (Opuntia stricta Haw)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the substitution of Buffel grass hay by Opuntia stricta Haw diet affects the balance of macrominerals, kidney function and blood metabolites in sheep. For this purpose, 5 Santa Inês sheep, adult, castrated and cannulated in the rumen, weighing around 61.5 ± 9.5 kg, were distributed in a 5x5 Latin square design for 60 days, divided into 5 periods 12 days. The animals were fed five diets, being composed of the replacement of Buffel grass hay by Opuntia stricta Haw at levels 0, 121, 245, 371 and 500 g/kg of DM. The consumption of oxalate, Ca, P, Mg, K and Na increased linearly with the increase in the level of palm. There was an increase in urinary excretion of Na and K of 0.363 and 1.102 (g / day), respectively, with the increase of palm levels. Voluntary water intake decreased linearly, whereas dietary and total water intake increased linearly with palm levels. Blood levels of cholesterol, albumin and creatinine were low at all levels. The blood concentration of Ca and K did not present significant difference with mean of 2.13 mmol / l and 3.38mEq / l respectively. The blood profile of sheep was not influenced by the replacement of Buffel hay by Orelha-de-Elefante mexicana palm until the inclusion of 500 g/kg DM in the diet, the macromineral balance and renal function were altered to fit the presence of the palm.