Objective:

To evaluate different inclusion levels of Morus alba, Linn. in the feeding of Pelibuey sheep, fattening category, in Guantánamo province, Cuba.

Materials and Methods:

The unit was characterized through interviews to managers and workers and direct observation. The chemical composition of M. alba foliage was analyzed and its inclusion was evaluated. Thirty-two castrated sheep in good health were selected. Four groups were formed. Three groups were fed M. alba forage at 15, 20 and 25 % after grazing. The fourth group was not given forage (control). A randomized design was applied, with eight replicas. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and economic analysis was performed.

Results:

M. alba foliage had a crude protein content of 22,4 %. The treatment with 25 % inclusion had the highest values for final weight (11,4 kg) and average daily gain (127,4 g). In the economic analysis, the 25 % treatment reported gain at slaughter of $129,8 kg/animal in national currency.

Conclusions:

With the inclusion of M. alba as a supplement after grazing in fattening sheep, higher values of mean daily gain and weight gain at slaughter were obtained. The economic assessment indicated that the inclusion of this forage as supplementation is feasible to achieve higher profits, which were between 117,6 and 129,8 $/kg in national currency.

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