BIOECONOMIA DE OVINOS CONFINADOS COM GRÃOS ENERGÉTICOS SEM VOLUMOSO

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive and economic performance of confined sheep fed whole or ground corn and sorghum grains, without roughage. The use of whole grains, corn or sorghum, makes the operation and feed costs of confined sheep viable, in addition to sorghum being cheaper than corn. Forty Santa Inês lambs were distributed in four experimental diets, without roughage. In the experimental diets, whole or ground corn grain and whole or ground sorghum grain were used, with the inclusion of protein, mineral and vitamin nucleus in all diets (Engordin 38® and Engordin 32®, for corn and sorghum, respectively). Initial and slaughter body weight, total weight gain and slaughter age did not differ from each other (P>0.05). However, the average daily body weight gain for diets with whole sorghum grain was higher (P<0.05) compared to the diet with ground corn grain (0.288 g day -1 and 0.219 g day -1, respectively), and the other diets did not differ from each other. The diet with whole sorghum had greater financial viability. The use of sorghum in the diet of confined sheep showed better economic indices compared to diets with corn; however, all diets were profitable. High-grain diets, corn or sorghum, ground or whole, without the use of roughage, do not affect animal performance and are economically viable.