Effects of increasing inclusion of soybean molasses on in vitro fermentative parameters of feedlot sheep

Abstract

The agribusiness is constantly developing and its products are present in most ruminant diet formulations. During the processing of some grains, some by-products are produced and are improperly disposed of as organic waste. Soybean molasses is a byproduct of soybean meal production with high protein and energy quality. This byproduct can be used in diets for feedlot sheep. Besides, to be sustainable, it can bring great benefits to animals and the producer. However, there are few studies analyzing the effects of different inclusions of this byproduct on in vitro fermentative parameters of sheep. Thus, our hypothesis is that the inclusion of up to 300g/kg DM soy molasses may improve nutrient digestibility and reduce greenhouse gas production. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the increasing inclusion of soybean molasses (0, 100, 200 or 300g/kg) in high concentrate diets for sheep. The digestibility and fermentative parameters in vitro will be analyzed. Three crossbred sheep weighing ± 40 kg, with a permanent cannula in the rumen will be used. The experimental diets will have 0 (CON), 100 (M100), 200 (M200) or 300g/kg (M300) of soybean molasses in dry matter (DM) of the total diet. The digestibility of DM and nutrients, disappearance of DM, ruminal pH, volatile fatty acids, and gas production will be evaluated through in vitro analyzes. If the hypothesis will be confirmed, it will help to show that soy molasses are a viable alternative to substitute corn grain, besides being a sustainable and economical alternative. Since it would give a better destination to this byproduct besides the possibility to reduce the production costs.