Partial replacement of corn for energy byproducts in steer diets, based on sugarcane bagasse treated with steam and pressure: Digestibility, ruminal parameters and in situ degradation
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This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of concentrate and starch levels on the digestibility and ruminal pH in diets based on sugarcane bagasse treated with steam and pressure (BTPV) fed to Nellore steers. A latin square experimental design was used with four treatments, being one a control (BM), with 40% of concentrate (DM basis), and three diets with 60% of concentrate: MM diet contained ground corn as a energy source, FM diet contained corn gluten feed and ground corn, and PO diet, containing citrus pulp and ground corn. The forage source used was BTPV plus 5% of raw sugarcane bagasse. The increase on concentrate content raised the dry matter intake and tended to increase the diet DM digestibility and TDN content. The use of byproducts in partial replacement of ground corn maintained the energetic value of the diets. The increase of the concentrate level did not affect the digestibility of the fiber (ADF and NDF); although, MM and PO treatments resulted in lower values. There was no difference for ruminal pH, which maintained in adequate level for fiber digestion, although, the MM treatment tended to have lower values throughout the day. Treatment MM reduced the in situ potentially degradable DM and NDF fractions of BTPV when compared to BM, decreasing the potential and effective degradation. The tested byproducts can be used in replacement of ground corn in the studied levels, without reducing digestibility, probably in a function of better ruminal environment or less substrate competition, leading to higher fiber digestion.
