Ruminal modulator additive effect of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium bark in feedlot lambs

The study aimed to evaluate the inclusion effects of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium (barbatim & atilde;o) extracts in substitution of the lasalocid sodium on the ingestive behaviour, intake, ruminal parameters, and digestibility of feedlot lambs. Twenty-four pantaneiro lambs were used, with an average age of 150 +/- 4.59 days and an initial body weight of 21.2 +/- 3.63 kg. The lambs were distributed in three treatments in an experimental design with randomized blocks. The treatments correspond to the additive supplements: LAS (0.019 g of lasalocid sodium/lamb/d); DGB (1.50 g of barbatim & atilde;o dried ground bark/lamb/d); DHE (0.30 g of barbatim & atilde;o dry hydroalcoholic extract/lamb/d). The DHE increased 59.74 min in the time spent for ingestion per day, resulting in an efficiency reduction of dry matter (DM) ingestion (127 g of DM/h of feed). There was a reduction of 1.8 mg/dL in the ammoniacal nitrogen concentration with extract supplementation compared to LAS. The DGB reduced total volatile fatty acids by 48.9% compared to the control treatment. The inclusion of barbatim & atilde;o extracts (DGB and DHE) reduced 12.05% of ruminal butyrate content. The supplementation of barbatim & atilde;o extracts replacing lasalocid sodium in the diet of feedlot lambs did not affect intake and caused small changes on ingestive behaviour.