The study aimed to evaluate the influence of increasing levels of whole cottonseed (Gossypium hirsutum) on intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) and apparent digestibility (%) of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose and cellulose of experimental diets based on Tifton 85's hay (Cynodon spp.). Twenty five sheep were randomly allotted to five treatments in a completely randomized design with five replicates. The treatments were formulated to contain zero; 12; 24; 35 and 45% of whole cottonseed. Higher crude protein and ether extract intakes were observed for 45% whole cottonseed diets, but no significant differences were observed for dry matter and organic matter intakes. Digestibility coefficients of NDF, ADF and cellulose decreased with inclusion of whole cottonseed, but this was not observed for hemicellulose. Diets containing 12 and 24% of whole cottonseed presented the best results related to ether extract and crude protein intakes and fibrous fractions digestibility coefficients.
cottonseed; digestibility; intake; sheep; Tifton 85
