Can crude glycerin and environmental conditions of semiarid affect the biological rhythm of ingestive behavior and physiological parameters of lactating goats?

ABSTRACT

Aiming to evaluate the levels of crude glycerin (0, 7, 14 and 21% based on dry matter) in replacement of ground corn on the biological rhythm of ingestive behavior and physiological parameters of lactating goats. Eight crossbred Anglo-Nubian goats were used, which were distributed in simultaneous double Latin square (4x4). The animals were observed for feeding time, rumination and idleness during 24 hours. The respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT) and sweating rate (SR) were assessed in the morning and afternoon. Crude glycerin levels did not affect intake, rumination, idleness time, dry matter intake efficiencies, and chewing patterns of the goats. In addition, there was a reduction in the intake of DM, NDF, the intake efficiency (g NDF/h), and rumination efficiency in g DM/h and g NDF/h for the levels tested. The RR, HR and RT in the morning reduced with supplementation. In this same sense, the RR and HR in the afternoon reduced with the crude glycerin. Climatic conditions increased the RR, RT and SR of the goats in the afternoon. Therefore, it is recommended to replace up to 7% of ground corn based on dry matter by crude glycerin.

KEYWORDS:

• Alternative feed
• feed efficiency
• goats
• nutrition
• thermoregulation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

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