Effect of cellulase on the digestibility of sodium hydroxide treated tequilana agave bagasse

Abstract

To assess the effect of 0, 5 or 10% of cellulase and 4% sodium hydroxide pre-treated tequilana agave bagasse on animal performance, 9 Pelibuey male lambs (20 kg) were used in a 3×3 factorial arrangement. Including agave bagasse in the complete feed increased dry matter, organic matter and gross energy intake and total tract digestibility (P<0.05). However, neither the water intake nor the body daily weight gain was affected by the tested treatments (P>0.05). Hence, agave bagasse from the tequila industry, when pre-treated could be considered an alternative ingredient for feeding lambs. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.