Total mixed ration silage based on cactus pear and cottonseed cake in the feeding of feedlot finished lambs.

The purpose of this study was to assess the fermentative characteristics of total mixed ration silage (TMR) based on cactus pear and cottonseed cake and its effect on the productive performance and ingestive behaviour of lambs in feedlot. The study was divided into two experimental trials. The first experimental trial evaluated the fermentative quality of the total mixed ration silages, in five replications per treatment, and the second evaluated the productive performance and ingestive behaviour of lambs, in eight replications per treatment, with the treatments being represented by the proportion of cottonseed cake in the TMR (0; 20; 25 and 30% cottonseed cake on dry matter basis). Significant treatment effects (P < 0.05) were observed on yeast population, pH, gas losses, effluent losses, dry matter recovery, ether extract intake, digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and non-fiber carbohydrates, and on all ingestive behaviour variables except for those of feeding. Thus, cactus pear ensures the fermentative and hygienic quality of total mixed ration silages, regardless of the proportions of cottonseed cake. Therefore, based on the productive performance and ingestive behaviour of feedlot finished Dorper lambs, it is recommended the use total mixed ration silages with 30% cottonseed cake.