Performance of growing lambs supplemented with ground licuri (Syagrus coronata).

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary ground licuri on lamb performance.

Methods: Forty male lambs were used in a completely randomized design to test the effects of 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/kg of ground licuri added to diets. The trial lasted for 75 days. Intake, digestibility, physically effective neutral detergent fiber, and chewing activity were estimated. Blood samples were taken on day 45 to determine the concentrations of glucose, urea, nonesterified fatty acids, and triglycerides. Average daily gain (ADG) were determined on the last day of the experimental trial.

Results: Licuri inclusion markedly increased dietary neutral detergent fiber and ether extract (EE) content, but it decreased dry matter (DM) intake. However, the intake and digestibility of EE linearly increased. The ADG decreased linearly (p<0.05) with licuri inclusion. Licuri had no effect (p>0.05) on the concentrations of blood metabolites; however, blood urea increased (p<0.05), while serum glucose decreased (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The physically effective fiber of ground licuri is similar to Tyfton hay and licuri inclusion decreases lamb performance due to a decreased in DM intake.