Intake and digestibility of diets containing extruded castor meal provided to lactating goats

The objective was to evaluate the intake, apparent digestibility and nitrogen balance in dairy goats fed diets containing extruded food-based castor meal (EFCM) in dairy goats. The non-fibrous carbohydrate intake (g / d) was affected (P <0.05), presenting a positive linear relashionship with inclusion level of EFCM. The was no influence of treatment on the DMD, OMD, CPD, NDFD DEE and nutrients, causing linear effect (P <0.05). As well as in DCNF that showed a quadratic effect (P <0.05). It was observed that the values found for fecal nitrogen, were affected (P <0.05). The results indicate that the EFCM despite causing a reduction in digestibility of nutrients, can be used in replacement of soybean meal in diets of dairy goats without reductions in nutrient intake, and without providing any damage to animal health.