Chemical composition and ruminal degradation of pindoba babassu hay ammoniated at two heights

Abstract The objective of this research was to evaluate the chemical composition and in situ degradation of pindoba babaçu hay submitted to ammonization with three doses of dry matter (DM) urea (2, 4 and 6%) at heights of 0 - 1.5 and 1.6 - 3.0 meters. To evaluate the degradation, 4 g of sample were weighed in nylon bags, incubated in the rumen of two fistulated cattle, at 6, 24 and 72 h, with 5 replications per treatment. Urea ammonization increased (P<0.05) the crude protein (CP) contents of pindoba babassu hay, but did not influence the nitrogen-free (NDFc) and acid (ADFc) detergent fiber contents with the higher these fractions the higher the forage. Potential degradation of DM was high, especially treatment with 4% in DM and height of 0 - 1.5m (28.45%). Ammonization reduced NDF colonization time (lag) (00 h 48 min to 0 - 1.5 m height) and increased degradable fraction (Bp). Babassu pindoba hay presents the best potential and effective degradation of DM, CP and NDF when obtained in height up to 1.5 m and submitted to ammonization with doses above 4% of urea. This height and alkalization level are indicated to obtain a better quality hay.