Consumo e parametros de fermentação ruminal em cabritos suplementados com extrato de marmeleiro(Croton blanchetianus)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of marmeleiro (Croton blanchetianus) extract on nutrient intake and ruminal fermentation parameters in goat kids. The experiment was conducted at the Unidade de Pesquisa em Pequenos Ruminantes da Estação Experimental, located in the municipality of São João do Cariri, Paraíba, and linked to the Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Campus II, of the Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Thirty uncastrated male crossbred goat kids (Saanen × Alpine American), with an average body weight (BW) of 3.70 ± 0.3 kg and seven days of age, were used in a completely randomized design with three treatments and ten replications. The treatments consisted of different doses of marmeleiro extract (ME): T1 – standard diet (control) without ME; T2 – standard diet + 15 mg of ME/kg BW; T3 – standard diet + 30 mg of ME/kg BW. The experiment lasted 92 days, including seven days of adaptation to handling and facilities. The animals were housed in individual suspended wooden pens equipped with drinkers and feeders. The standard diet had a roughage:concentrate ratio of 15:85 from days 20 to 46 of age and was later adjusted to a 30:70 ratio. Variables related to intake during the suckling and early post-weaning phases were evaluated, as well as ruminal fermentation parameters at the end of the experimental period. Analysis of variance was performed, and means were compared using Tukey's test at a 5% significance level. The inclusion of marmeleiro extract did not affect (P > 0.05) dry matter or nutrient intake during the experimental period. However, changes in ruminal fermentation parameters were observed. There was a significant increase in ammonia nitrogen concentration (P = 0.009) and isovaleric acid (P = 0.041), as well as a trend toward increased butyrate (P = 0.098) with increasing levels of ME. The acetate:propionate ratio also increased (P = 0.006), suggesting a modulation in the ruminal fermentation pattern. It is concluded that the inclusion of marmeleiro (Croton blanchetianus) extract up to a dose of 30 mg/kg of body weight does not alter dry matter or nutrient intake in goat kids. However, it modifies the ruminal fermentation pattern by increasing ammonia nitrogen, isovaleric acid, and the acetate:propionate ratio.