Características e efeitos do caroço de algodão na alimentação e nutrição de ruminantes

Abstract

The cottonseed is a co-product used in the diet of ruminants, especially beef and milk, due to the high content of protein, lipids, and neutral detergent fiber, associated with a lower cost. In addition to the quantitative aspects, is also used to present a high content of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. The effects of cottonseed in relation to rumen metabolism, digestibility and degradability in ruminant animals are variable depending on the level of inclusion in the diet and ruminant species, reflecting differences in masticatory activity. In addition, there are other aspects that justify the study of this co-product, because there are conflicts in the literature and among producers for the amount to be used in formulation of diets, by their limiting factors, as the negative effects caused by high presence of gossypol.