Abstract

MENDOZA-MARTINEZ, GD; PLATA-PEREZ, FX; ESPINOSA-CERVANTES, R  and  LARA-BUENO, A. Nutritional management to improve efficiency in the use of energy in ruminants. Universidad y ciencia [online]. 2008, vol.24, n.1, pp.75-87. ISSN 0186-2979.

Production systems of ruminants present different efficiencies in the use of energy. The transformations that take place in the process of energy partition in ruminants should be studied in order to reach alternatives of nutritional management that result in a reduction of losses and an increase in the energy retained in usable products. Actions that favour an increase in the digestibility of feed will result in a greater intake of digestible energy. These include an adequate N intake, additives such as exogenous enzymes and some treatments for residues or grains. In order to increase metabolisable energy (ME), it is necessary to reduce energy losses in urine and fermentation gases. For the first, excesses of degradable N compounds in the rumen should be avoided in the diet and the use of ruminally protected amino acids. For the second, the end products of fermentation in accordance with the forage:concentrate ratio and the use of ionophores should be considered. In order to increase net energy, it is necessary to reduce heat production, which is not easy as there is heat production associated with basal metabolism, activity and caloric exchange, and intake of ME. It is important to consider the possible nutritional strategies that may increase the efficiency of energy use in the different production systems.

Keywords : Energy; efficiency; systems; ruminants.

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