BALANÇO DE NITROGÊNIO EM OVINOS ALIMENTADOS COM ADITIVO FITOGÊNICO

Was evaluated the inclusion of phytogenic additive (Capsicum ssp) in sheep rations on nitrogen balance. Was used a Latin square (4x4) experimental design with four experimental rations with 0,0; 0.2; 0.4 and 0.6% pepper in DM. The studied variables were interpreted through the analysis of variance, and when necessary a regression was done at 5% of probability. The inclusion of different levels of pepper in sheep ration decreased (P<0.05) the nitrogen intake (N), registering a reduction of 3.47 g.dia-1 for each percentage unit of pepper added. However, it observed a higher amount of nitrogen absorbed (NA) of 19.07 g animal-1 day-1 (P<0.05) for the inclusion level of 0.23% of pepper. The inclusion of up to 0.6% of phytogenic additive based on pepper in sheep feed does not alter the nitrogen balance, however the nitrogen intake is lower according to the inclusion of pepper levels. However, the 0.23% level of pepper provides the highest nitrogen absorption in sheep.