Resumen

OJEDA, F et al. Bull fattening with diets based on fresh or preserved citrus pulp. Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2012, vol.35, n.4, pp.431-442. ISSN 0864-0394.

At the "Victoria de Girón" Citrus Fruit Production Enterprise, Matanzas province, Cuba, a study was conducted for 138 days with 433 crossbred bulls of dairy breeds (Holstein x Zebu), in which a diet based on restricted grazing (four hours in the morning), green forage and citrus fruit pulp ad libitum, was evaluated, supplemented with grass hay, mineral salt and North gold. The citrus fruit pulp was supplied as silage since August 8 until October 31, and fresh since November 1st until December 24. The latter was enriched with urea, at a rate of 0,04 kg per 5 kg of citrus fruit pulp. In the rainy season, the forage showed the lowest DM percentages and the highest ME and PDIN values, with little variation between periods for PDIE. The fresh and ensiled citrus pulp maintained analogous values to other studies; the hay had low quality and forage intake was similar in both periods; preserved citrus pulp was less consumed than the fresh one. The gain was higher with preserved citrus pulp (0,593 vs. 0,556 kg/animal/day). Nutritional balances indicated that the DM and ME requirements were covered, although in nitrogen compounds inefficient utilization was made because there was excess of PDIE, which was not corrected through urea incorporation. In both periods the highest percentages of nutrient contributions corresponded to forage and citrus fruit pulp in its two modalities. The conversion values had a better response with silage (13,3 vs. 15,5 kg DM/kg of gain). The feasibility of using fresh or ensiled citrus fruit pulp is concluded; although, to increase gains and feeding conversion, it is necessary to increase protein supplementation and have feedstuffs which balance the quantities of PDIN and PDIE in the diets.

Palabras clave : fattening; citrus pulp.

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