ABSTRACT
Forage palm is extremely suitable as animal fodder due to its high tolerance to the climatic rigors of the semiarid region and its ability to withstand the harsh physical-chemical limitations of poor soils. Thus, in this study, the effects of the partial replacement (0â¯%, 5â¯%, 10â¯% and 15â¯% replacement) of a molasses- or oat-based commercial concentrate with forage palm bran (FPB) on the acceptability, apparent digestibility and glycemic response of horses at maintenance were evaluated. The ratio of concentrate to roughage (Tifton 85 hay) was 30 : 70 , and the dry matter (DM) intake was 2â¯% of body weight (BW). For the preference test, 10 barren Mangalarga Marchador mares were used. The experimental diets were offered simultaneously to determine the consumption preference and the intake ratio. For the digestibility test, four mixed-breed geldings were used and were distributed in a Latin square experimental design ( 4 × 4 ). For the glycemic response, blood samples were collected 30â¯min before and 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240â¯min after supplying the feed. The preference test indicated that feed containing 0â¯% and 5â¯% FPB was preferred by the animals. Nutrient digestibility coefficients did not differ among the experimental diets. Blood glucose was lower at 180â¯min in the 7.42â¯% FPB inclusion diet ( R 2 = 0.97 ); this was estimated using the following equation: Y = 115.05 - 2.75 x + 0.19 x 2 . It is concluded that the incorporation of up to 15â¯% of forage palm bran as a substitute for concentrate in the maintenance diet tested did not negatively influence feed intake, nutrient digestibility or glycemic index; however, inclusion values above 5â¯% reduced diet acceptability.
