Extrato da vagem de Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. como aditivo fitogênico para ovinos terminados a pasto no semiárido

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the extract from the algaroba pod (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.) as a phytogenic additive in the performance of sheep kept in the Caatinga area. The experiment was carried out in the city of Serra Talhada, Pernambuco on a private property located in the semi - arid region of the Brazilian Northeast. Twenty - four sheep were used, with a total live weight of 23 ± 1.83 kg. The consumption, digestibility and performance of the animals were evaluated. Total dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP), total weight gain, average daily gain, feed conversion, intake and digestibility were used. Non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and total digestible nutrients (NDT). The design was used to be completely randomized (DIC) and the data collected were analyzed by means of the SAS - Statistical Analysis System, version 9.2. The intake of nutrients was not altered by the use of the additive, however the digestibility improved with its use when the animals kept in Caatinga were not supplemented, the performance was also higher in these conditions. The supplemented animals were more selective with a lower trajectory and longer grazing time. Therefore, the use of this additive is recommended with satisfactory results in the performance of unsupplemented Caatinga sheep.