Análise histomorfométrica do epitélio ruminal de caprinos alimentados com palma forrageira

Abstract

The objective of this study was to measure histomorphometric variables of the ruminal epithelium of goats fed forage palm (total epithelium thickness, keratin layer thickness and thickness of non-keratinized layers) fed with forage palm genotypes: small (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck) and ear of Mexican elephant (Opuntia stricta Haw), originating from the municipalities of Pernambuco, Lagoa de Itaenga and Ibimirim, in that order, being transported to Recife every 15 days. For each new lot of forage palm, samples were collected with the purpose of quantifying the dry matter and crude protein contents for adjustment of rations. Tifton-85 grass hay, maize corn meal, soybean meal and micro ingredients were commercially available, 36 male SPRD male goats with an average age of 1 year and mean body weight (ICP) of 19.0 ± 2.8 kg were used in a completely randomized design with three treatments and twelve replicates. The animals were individually housed in slatted wooden slats with 1.8 m x 1.0 m (1.8 m2) dimensions, provided with a feeder and drinking fountain, arranged in masonry sheaths covered with asbestos cement tiles. The experiment lasted 100 days, with 30 days for adaptation of animals to experimental conditions and 70 days for data collection. The animals that received the control diet had a greater thickness of the keratinized layer and the non-keratinized layers of the ruminal epithelium (dorsal sacks) in comparison to those that received the diet containing the small palm, without significantly differing from the Mexican palm ear treatment, control diets and with Mexican elephant ear palms cause greater thickening of the keratin layers and non-keratinized layers of the epithelium of the dorsal bags of the rumen of goats, however they can be used to feed goats as they are a good source of nutrients.