In order to determine the composition and the in situ degradability of the dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber of hays of castor cv. Paraguaçu (Ricinus communis), castor cv. Nordestina (Ricinus communis), jatropha (Jatropha curcas) and maniçoba (Manihot pseudoglaziovii). Three rumen canulated undefined breed sheep were used. In each animal were incubated 12 bags for 6; 12; 24; 48 and 96 hour, being three bags by hay of euphorbiaceae. The content of protein ranged between 10.3% for the hay of jatropha and 19.6% for the hay of maniçoba. The neutral detergent fiber value was similar between the hay of jatropha and the hay of maniçoba, while the hays of castors presented lower concentrations between themselves. The castor Paraguaçu hay presented superior and faster dry matter degradation, with value of 85.5% stagnated at 44 hour. The hay of maniçoba and the hay of jatropha showed similar degradability of crude protein with final valor of 92.5% degraded at 40 and 46 hour, respectively. The jatropha hay presented neutral detergent fiber degradation of 68.0% and was superior to other euphorbiaceous hay, but, showed slower degradation rate, stagnated at 86 hour. The hays of castors were superior to the other hays of euphorbiaceous for chemical composition, the coefficients of ruminal degradation and the potential and effective degradation of nutrients.
biodiesel; feedstuffs; haying; rumen fermentation