Maize Silage Associated With Hay From Xerophytic Plants in Lamb Feeding: Intake, Digestibility, and Economic Feasibility.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the partial inclusion of 25% hay from xerophytic plants in maize silage in feedlot lamb in the semiarid region. Non-defined breed male lambs were used in a completely randomized design, with five experimental units per treatment. The treatments consisted of four diets: maize silage (SM), maize silage with gliricidia hay (SMG), maize silage with pornunça hay (SMP), and maize silage with leucaena hay (SML). The SM diet showed higher in vivo dry matter digestibility (70.35%), whereas SM and SMG recorded the highest NDF digestibility values (60.31% and 57.10%). Average daily gain was higher in the SM and SMG diets (180 g day^-1), resulting in greater slaughter weights (31.39 and 29.74 kg). Carcass yield was not affected by the inclusion of xerophytic plant hays. Gliricidia maintained carcass performance similar to SM, whereas SMP and SML resulted in lower carcass weights and commercial cuts. Meat color improved with the inclusion of legumes (SMG and SML). The economic analysis indicated that SM was the most profitable diet, although all diets showed positive profit. Gliricidia is a viable alternative for semiarid production systems, contributing to feed diversification and reducing dependence on maize silage.