Performance of feedlot sheep receiving diets with Cupuassu Cake (Theobroma grandiflorum Schum., Sterculiaceae)

Abstract

This study evaluated the inclusion of cupuassu cake (Theobroma grandiflorum Schum.) in the diet of feedlot sheep. Intake (kg day-1, % LW and kg LW-0, 75), weight gain, feed conversion, carcass characteristics and measurements, ingestive behavior, and meat quality were assessed. Twenty-five mixed breed castrated sheep, with initial mean live weight (LW) of 17.4 (± 1.90) kg, were fed under feedlot management conditions until they reached 35 kg LW. The diet consisted of 26 % elephant grass silage (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum) and 74 % concentrate, composed of ground corn, soybean meal, wheat bran, limestone and cupuassu cake at 0 (control), 7.4; 14.8; 22.2 and 29.6 % of total dry matter. The experimental design was completely randomized, with five treatments and five repetitions. No statistical differences (P>0.05) were observed for the substitution of standard feedstuff by cupuassu cake in the variables evaluated, indicating that cupuassu cake can be used for feedlot sheep at up to 30 % of total dry matter, without affecting performance, intake, carcass characteristics or meat quality.