Substitution of corn grain by gluconeogenic precursors in productive performance of sheep in adaptation.

Abstract

In order to evaluate the partial substitution of corn grain by the addition of calcium propionate and propylene glycol in diets for sheep adapting in growth performance, 32 female sheep were fed, a Dorper x Katahdin cross, with an initial live weight of 24.53 kg. , during a period of 15 days where a randomized complete block design was used. The treatments consisted of administering the combination of calcium propionate and propylene glycol (Glutec®) (0.1% inclusion), which according to the consumption of the animals was supplied: T1: control diet, without addition of calcium propionate and propylene glycol, T2 : experimental diet, added with calcium propionate and propylene glycol. The dry matter intake of the animals was recorded and they were weighed on days 1 and 15 to assess growth performance performance. Where it was observed that the inclusion of calcium propionate and propylene glycol did not present significant statistical differences in the productive parameters (Average daily gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion and gain:feed) (P>0.05). However, when performing the profitability analysis, a difference was found in the percentage benefit, where T1 (57.49%) > T2 (50.51%). It is concluded that the partial substitution of the corn grain by calcium propionate and propylene glycol does not modify the productive parameters (P>0.05), however, it is important to consider the percentage differences in the profitability of the treatments.