Fat sources omega-3 and omega-6 on voluntary feed intake of feedlot beef heifers

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different fat sources supplements on voluntary intake of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicelluloses (HEM), and organic matter (OM). Twenty-four crossbreed heifers (½ Red Angus ½ Nelore) 20 months old and 351 kg of initial body weight were used during 56 days. The heifers were allotted in a completely randomized design for three different treatments: linseed supplement, omega-3 source (LIN); protected fat, omega-6 source (PFA), and no fat supplement (NOF). There was no difference (P < 0.05) on DM, CP, NDF, ADF, and OM voluntary intake, expressed in kg/day, % BW and g/ kg BW0,75 for fat sources. The values means of dry matter voluntary intake were 8.51 kg/day, 2.43% BW, and 105.12 g/kg BW0,75. Heifers on treatment LIN and PFA presented highest (P<0.05) EE intake, expressed in kg/day, %BW and g/kg BW0,75. The LIN treatment resulted in highest (P < 0.05) HEM intake in % BW and g/kg BW0,75.