Cashew nut meal as feed supplement for lambs.

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Ruminant Nutrition

Background:

• Cashew nut meal (CNM) is a protein and energy-rich feedstuff utilized in tropical regions.
• Its potential as a livestock feed supplement, particularly for ruminants, warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of cashew nut meal (CNM) as a feed supplement for lambs.
• To determine optimal inclusion levels of CNM in lamb diets based on intake, digestibility, and nitrogen balance.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four lambs were assigned to a randomized block design with four dietary treatments.
• Treatments included a control diet of Tifton 85 hay and CNM supplementation at 6%, 12%, and 18% of the total mixed ration (TMR).
• Evaluated parameters included feed intake, nutrient digestibility (DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF), nitrogen balance, and ingestive behavior.

Main Results:

• Supplementation with CNM linearly increased crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) intake, and dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) intake per metabolic body weight.
• Digestibility of DM, OM, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) improved with CNM up to 12% inclusion but decreased at 18%.
• EE and CP digestibility increased with CNM levels, leading to enhanced nitrogen retention and a positive nitrogen balance.

Conclusions:

• Cashew nut meal (CNM) demonstrates potential as an alternative protein and energy supplement for lambs, especially when combined with low-quality forages.
• Optimal inclusion of CNM as a sole supplement ingredient appears to be around 7% of the TMR to avoid negative impacts on fiber digestibility.