EFEITO DO PERFIL DE PARTICULAS SOBRE CONSUMO E DIGESTIBILIDADE EM CABRA LACTANTES DA RAÇA SAANEN

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the particle profile of the roughage on consumption and digestibility of diets for lactating goats. Sixteen Saanen goats were used in lactation period, ranging the age from 43 to 66 months, and weights between 41,7 kg and 74,3 kg, in a randomized block design. The treatments consisted in the supply of Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) hay in two particle sizes: 1) hay in the long form and 2) chopped hay. The period of adaptation of the animals lated 21 days and the collection period was seven days. The fractions digestibility assays were realized and then was determined the feed TDN. With the exception of the NFC, the reduction of the particle size of the hay did not alter (P>0,05) the digestibility of the evaluated fractions. However, with the exception of EE, the intake of all digestible fractions per unit of body weight, was higher (P<0,05) in the diet with the hay in the long form.