CUPUASSU CAKE IN FEEDING FEEDLOT NELLORE YOUNG BULLS

This study aimed to evaluate the intake, digestibility and feeding behavior of Nellore young bulls, fed with diets containing different levels of cupuassu cake. Five animals with an average body weight (BW) of 186.8 +/- 19.5 kg and approximately 13 months of age were used. The animals were divided into five treatments with different levels of cupuassu cake (CC): 0.0%; 5.0%; 10%; 15% and 20%, in substitution of corn and soybean meal and were subjected to the experiment 5 x 5 latin square, composed of five animals and five periods. Each of the five experimental periods lasted 15 days: 10 days for diet adaptation and five days for the assessment of nutrient digestibility. The feeding behavior (visual observation) was measured at the end of each experimental period (15(th) day) for 24 h. The dry matter (DMI), ether extract (EEI) and crude protein intake (CPI), all expressed in kg/day and % BW, presented a quadratic effect (P<0.10) related to the inclusion of different levels of cupuassu cake, where it was observed that the major consumption of these fractions occurred in the treatment with 5% CC. For digestibility of dry matter (DMD); crude protein (DPB); ether extract (EED); neutral detergent fiber (NDFD); acid detergent fiber (ADFD); non-fiber carbohydrates (DCNF), and the parameters of feeding behavior, no differences (P>0.10) between inclusion levels were observed. The inclusion of up to 5% of cupuassu cake, replacing soybean meal and maize, was recommended in diets for Nellore young bulls in feedlot, since it did not interfere in the intake and digestibility of nutrients, and feeding behavior of animals.