VALOR NUTRITIVO DEL FORRAJE DE YUCA

Abstract

Six wethers situated in metabolism cages were used in a complete randomized design in order to determine the nutritive value of cassava forage (Manihot esculenta). Cassava forage was harvested after 60, 90 and 135 days in both (wet-dry) seasons. Protein content decrease with the age and varied from 9,5 to 27%. The higher values of crude protein digestibility were found after 80 days of age (65,9-81,2%). Metabolizable energy was scarcely affected by age or season and ranged from 8,20 to 9,67 Mj/DM kg. The highest values of digestible crude protein content were found at early ages and during the dry season (162,0-137,9 g/DM kg). The best digestible crude protein (5,99-8,91 g/kg P^0,75) and metabolizable energy (470,4-541,5 Kj/kg P^0,75) intakes were found after 60 and 90 days of harvesting age in both seasons.