MICRO HISTOLOGIA FECAL COMO FERRAMENTA DE AJUSTE NUTRICIONAL PARA OVELHAS NA CAATINGA

The pasture of the caatinga is the main forage source in Brazilian Northeast. Their species as herbs, shrubs and grasses presents good nutritional value, however, variable during the year. To reach the relationship between ingested nutrients and nutritional requirements, we used the micro-histological technique to identify selected species by sheep and with supplementation, indentify their deficiencies and apply better nutritional strategies to herd. Thirty-two Brazilian Somalis sheep were used, divided into four treatments (0, 200, 350 and 500g of concentrate offered day-1). Intake was estimated using LIPE® (Purified and Enriched Lignin). During the rainy period the requirements of CP were met without supplementation, but for TDN is recommended a concentrate with (85% NDT), minimum of 350 g day-1. In rainy-dry period, the nutrient intake was unsatisfactory and the supplementation protein-energetic density (80% NDT and 16% CP) had to be increased. To dry period protein requirements were reached when animals received above 200g of concentrate. To NDT was required above 300g and a supplement with 79% of NDT is recommended. Fecal micro histology technique can be used to nutritional adjustment of sheep. Energy (TDN) is the main nutrient limitation for ewes in caatinga pastures.