This work was carried out to study the replacement levels of corn by triticale in feedlot Nellore heifers. Fifty-six Nellore heifers, 18 months of age and with an initial LW 212 kg were allotted to a completely randomized experimental design, with four corn replacement levels (0, 33, 66 and 100%) by triticale and seven replications. There were no effects of corn replacement levels on the final live weight, average daily gain, intakes of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose (kg/day), feed: gain and carcass yield. Although differences as absolute values have not been registered, the dry matter intake (per 100kg LW) was crescent among 0 to 100% triticale levels. Similar behavior was observed for the gross energy intake (Mcal/kg of DM/day). The apparent digestibility assay, with the use of an internal indicator (acid insoluble ash) and partial feces collection, demonstrated that there were not differences in the digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, gross energy, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose. According to these results triticale may be used by feedlot heifers as a viable alternative source to replace corn.
apparent digestibility; heifers; triticale; weight gain
