Abstract

OJEDA, F; PINO, Bárbara N.; LAMELA, L  and  MONTEJO, I. Effect of protein supplementation on the productive response of bulls fed mixed diets based on citrus pulp. Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2010, vol.33, n.3. ISSN 0864-0394.

In order to evaluate the effect of different sources of protein supplementation on the weight gain of animals that ate a mixed diet based on citrus pulp, a study was conducted at the "Victoria de Girón" Citrus Fruit Firm with bulls from the commercial Zebu breed. In the January-April period, forage and fresh citrus pulp were supplied ad libitum; the supplements were: 0,5 kg/animal/day of hay; 0,05 kg of mineral salts; 0,04 kg of urea and 3 kg/animal/day of wheat bran. In the May-July period the same feedstuffs were fed, but with variations in the protein supplement: 1,5 kg of wheat bran and Saccharomyces yeast. In the first period, due to the high supplementation with wheat bran and the low percentage of protein (3,7%) in the forage, its intake was lower as compared to the second period (6,5 vs 19,8 kg/animal/day). During May-July, the inclusion of the Saccharomyces yeast allowed to decrease the quantity of wheat bran, achieve a better utilization of roughages, avoid the use of urea and obtain the highest gains (0,525 vs 0,6 kg/animal/day). The feed conversion showed values of 13,8 and 14,0. In this study the importance of protein sources to achieve higher weight gains in the fattening cycles was proven.

Keywords : Weight gain; Saccharomyces yeast; supplements.

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