Espirulina (Spirulina platensis) na alimentação de ovinos em confinamento

Abstract

Forty F1 Dorper x Santa Ines feedlot lambs [20 males and 20 females, initial weight (PI) average of 20.75 ± 3.19 kg] were used in a completely randomized block, in a 4 x 2 factorial design, to evaluate the effect of levels of Spirulina platensis (0.0; 0.6; 1.2 and 1.8% dry matter basis) and sex on weight gain, feed conversion, nutrient intake and the apparent digestibility coefficients of the nutrients. Were tested four complete diets, forage:concentrate ratio 40:60, balanced for an average weight gain of 250 g/day and two sex (male and female). There was no interaction between levels of spirulina and sex on any of the variables. There was no influence of spirulina (P>0.05) on performance and nutrient intake. The apparent digestibility coefficients also were not influenced by spirulina (P>0.05), except for the apparent digestibility of ether extract, which decreased with increased levels of spirulina. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between both males and females for the final weight (36.68 vs 31.29 kg), total dry matter intake (63.16 vs 55.19 kg), total weight gain (15.18 vs 11.28 kg) and daily weight gain (0.251 vs 0.187 kg). Regarding nutrient intake, there was significant difference (P<0.05) between males and females only for the consumption total digestible nutrients (NDT). The males had higher (P<0.05) apparent digestibility of dry matter (MS), organic matter (MO), crude protein (PB), ether extract (EE), total carbohydrates (CT) and non-fiber carbohydrates (CNF) compared to females. Although Spirulina platensis did not influence the performance, nutrient intake and digestibility of nutrients, it could be used to feed sheep as a protein source. However, more studies should be conducted using large quantities of this algae, in order to obtain more conclusive answers.