Digestibilidade aparente de rações com macroalga (Gracilaria birdiae) para aves

Abstract

The macroalgae of the genus Gracilaria ssp. They are characterized by the presence of sulphated polysaccharides (carrageenans and agar), where Gracilaria birdiae stands out as being the world's largest source of agar (SIMÕES, 2009; ARAÚJO et al., 2008). In addition to being part of the food chain of aquatic organisms, they are also sent for animal feed. The focus on animal nutrition is explained by the nutritional composition, which presents richness in proteins, minerals, vitamins, polysaccharides and low lipid concentrations (SIMÕES, 2009). The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional potential of Gracilaria birdiae in the Potiguar littoral and its nutrient digestibility, because its cultivation is economically (BOSA et. al.) feasible and feeding is one of the most costly factors in poultry production in the ration of birds. For bromatological analysis and digestibility assay, in natura material was obtained, later dehydrated and ground to 2mm. In the digestibility assay, 20 semi - heavy laying hens of the Bankiva strain were used, where they were submitted to two treatments with ten replicates each. The first treatment with control ration (RCO), and the second with inclusion of 20% of Gracilaria birdiae in the diet (RGB). The bromatological analyzes showed high concentrations of mineral matter and NDF (soluble fibers), low levels of lipids, proteins, FDA (insoluble fibers) and pectin. For digestibility of nutrients, RGB showed superiority in mineral matter and soluble fibers, while for consumption and FDA did not present significant differences, however, dry matter, protein and ethereal extract, were superior for RCO.