WATER INTAKE AND PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF KIDS GOATS RECEIVING RATIONS CONTAINING DIFFERENT WHOLE COTTONSEED LEVELS SUBSTITUTING WILD CASSAVA SILAGE

The goal of this present paper was to evaluate the productive performance of feedlot goats fed with wild cassava silage based rations and growing levels of whole cottonseed. Whole cottonseed levels evaluated were: 10.0%; 20.0%; 30.0% and 40.0% of dry matter. Twenty four male goats, non castrated, non defined genotype, weighting 9.4 +/- 2.0 kg of body weight were used. Experimental design was a completely randomized with four whole cottonseed levels and six replicates. Increasing whole cottonseed levels was observed higher average daily gain and total weight gain of goats. On the other hand, final body weight and total water intaked were not affected by whole cottonseed levels in rations. Besides, water intake from ration corresponded for the most part of total water intaked daily by animals. Increasing whole cottonseed level until 40% of dry matter for feedlot kids goats may promote higher average daily gain and total weight gain, without affect water intake.