Alterations on the levels of crude protein (CP), non-protein nitrogen compounds (NNP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin (LIG), ash, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and sodium (Na) of feeds used for steers, caused by the saliva contamination in the extrusa, were evaluated. Five steers, fistulated in the rumen and esophagus were fed five diets, in five experimental periods. The treatments were: chopped elephantgrass (CE), elephantgrass obtained by hand-plucked (CES), Brachiaria decumbens obtained by hand-plucked (CBS), Tifton-85 bermudagrass haylage (PS), Brachiaria decumbens hay (FB1), Brachiaria decumbens hay and concentrate at 0.5% LW (FB2), and Brachiaria decumbens hay and concentrate at 1.0% LW (FB3). The extrusa CP content was not affected (P>0.05) by saliva contamination. The NNP levels were overestimated (P<0.05) in the extrusa in 135.0%. The NDF levels were underestimated (P<0.05) in 3.4%. The ADF and LIG contents were overestimated (P<0.05) in extrusa samples, on average 11.0 and 44.0%, respectively. The mineral contamination was significant (P<0.05) for ash, P and Na, and the levels were overestimated in 31.2, 116.7 and 3250.0%, respectively. The Mg content was underestimated (P<0.05) in 15.4% in the extrusa.
steer; contamination extrusa; saliva; forage; concentrate
