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The use of sorghum silage in feeding weanling horses: Body development
Author’s Accepted Manuscript The use of sorghum silage in feeding weanling horses: Body Development Diogo Felipe da Silva Inácio, Adalgiza Souza Carneiro de Rezende, Rafael Henrique Prado Silva, Marilia Martins Melo, Laydiane de Jesus Mendes, Suzana Maruch, Kate da Costa Barcelos, Ângela Quintão Lana, Sarah Lucile Ralston
PII: DOI: Reference:
www.elsevier.com/locate/livsci
S1871-1413(17)30290-1 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2017.09.025 LIVSCI3310
To appear in: Livestock Science Received date: 11 October 2016 Revised date: 21 September 2017 Accepted date: 29 September 2017 Cite this article as: Diogo Felipe da Silva Inácio, Adalgiza Souza Carneiro de Rezende, Rafael Henrique Prado Silva, Marilia Martins Melo, Laydiane de Jesus Mendes, Suzana Maruch, Kate da Costa Barcelos, Ângela Quintão Lana and Sarah Lucile Ralston, The use of sorghum silage in feeding weanling horses: Body Development, Livestock Science, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2017.09.025 This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting galley proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
The use of sorghum silage in feeding weanling horses: Body Development a
a
a
Diogo Felipe da Silva Inácio ; Adalgiza Souza Carneiro de Rezende *; Rafael Henrique Prado Silva ; a b a a Marilia Martins Melo ; Laydiane de Jesus Mendes ; Suzana Maruch ; Kate da Costa Barcelos ; a c Ângela Quintão Lana ; Sarah Lucile Ralston a
School of Veterinary, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Science Institute Letters, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Montes Claros, MG, Brazil; c . Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Nj, USA b
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract: A correct and balanced nutrition has a great importance in the development of young horses. Weanlings should reach 90% of their final height at twelve months of age, and it is necessary that their rations allow them to reach their genetic potential during this critical growth period. The objective of this study was to compare the growth and development of weanling fillies fed sorghum silage versus grass hay as the source of forage during the dry season. Fillies of the Mangalarga Marchador breed (MM) were weaned and were randomly allocated to one of 2 groups with 7 foals each: GS: fed sorghum silage (Sorghum bicolor cv. BRS655) or GH: fed Vaquero grass hay (Cynodon cv. CD90160 x cv. Mirage). Both groups were fed a commercial concentrate at the rate of 1.5% body weight (BW) in dry matter daily. The results show that the growth and development of the fillies in both groups of this experiment was suitable for the breed. The use of sorghum silage for fillies from 6 to 9 months of age that are also receiving 1.5% BW of a concentrate balanced for growing horses during the dry season allowed normal growth and development of MM fillies. Keywords: sorghum silage, wealing horses, growth, mesurements
Introduction In Brazil at dry periods it is common to feed weanlings with alternative feed because of the lack of pasture. A correct and balanced nutrition has a great importance in the development of young horses. Excess or deficiency of nutrients can affect growth and/or cause orthopedic disease development (Fradinho et al., 2012; Gobesso et al, 2014). Central Brazil has two clearly defined periods in the year, rainy and dry season, which is characterized by low quality and quantity of forage caused by the lack of rain, and is the period of time when foals are weaned at about 6 months of age, when nutritional needs are 541 g of crude protein and 12.4 Mcal of digestible energy (NRC 2007). Weanlings should reach 90% of their final height at twelve months of age, and it is necessary that their rations allow them to reach their genetic potential during this critical growth period (Frape, 2008), which should last through the dry season (3 months). During the dry season in Brazil alternative feeds such as grass and corn silages, sugar cane are needed to complement the rations of horses, because of the lack of pasture in some properties. Sorghum silage is often used in the feeding of ruminants, and has been used for horses, but there are few controlled studies of its use in feeding young horses. The objective of this study was to compare the growth and development of weanling fillies fed sorghum silage versus grass hay as the source of forage during the dry season. It was hypothesized that the grass hay-fed weanlings would have higher growth rates and development than those fed the silage, due to it’s palatability and feed value (Domingues, 2009). Materials and Methods Study site The experiment was performed at the Haras Catuni, Montes Claros-Minas Gerais/Brazil, between June and September (84 days).
Animals and Treatments Fourteen fillies of the Mangalarga Marchador breed (MM) were weaned (six months of age and body weight: 160 ± 26 kg), and were randomly allocated to one of 2 groups: GS: fed sorghum silage (Sorghum bicolor cv. BRS655) or GH: fed Vaquero grass hay (Cynodon cv. CD90160 x cv. Mirage). Both groups were also fed a commercial concentrate (Equitage P-Guabi Foal (CP: 17%; EE: 3.5%; NDF: 29.1%; ADF: 11.5%; Ca: 0.15%; P: 0.06%; DE: 3.2 Mcal/kg or 13.4 MJ/kg) at the rate of 1.5% body weight (BW) in dry matter daily. Experimental feeds are shown in Table 1. The weanlings were kept separate, in two neighboring paddocks of 50 m² each, with earth floors and individual feeders for the forages (silage and hay) and concentrate in a feeding pen. Food management Forage was fed to provide a total of 1.5% BW daily, given in measured amounts twice a day at 07:00h and 15:00h, with orts collected and weighed to determine intakes, with a forage :concentrate ratio of 50 :50. Water and mineral salt (Coequi Plus Tortuga mineral Salt (I: 125 mg; Cu: 1200 mg; Na: 120 g; Ca: 175 – 185 g; Mn: 970 mg; Co: 21 mg; Zn: 2,2 g; Fe: 2 g; S: 12 g; Se: 10 mg; F(máx.): 600 mg; P: 60 g; Mg: 13,6 g; K: 20 g) were available free choice. Body Development study Each group was weighed, dewormed (Equest Pramox® - moxidectin: 0.4 mg/kg BW + Praziquantel: 2.5 mg/kg BW) and bathed (Butox®-Intervet) against ticks before the start of the experiment. At the beginning of the experiment and every 21 days, fillies were weighed and the feeding allowances were ajusted, and highest point of the withers (HW) , between the top edge of the two shoulders, until the floor, height at croup (HC) central and highest part of the sacred region, between the inner angles of the iliac bones until the floor, height of ship's side, body length (BL) distance from tip of shoulder to the tip of the buttock, settling the metallic rod in the humeral joint until touching the tip of the terminal ileum, thoracic perimeter (PERT) and shin perimeter (PERS) of the fillies were measured with a calibrated measuring stick and measuring tape, the adult weight of MM females is 400 kg (NRC 2007). Experimental design and statistical analysis The experimental design was completely randomized in split plot, with the two diets subdivided plots and five dates of measurements the subplots. The experimental design was completely randomized in split plot, with the two diets subdivided plots and five dates of measurements the subplots, according to the statistical model: Yijk = µ + αi + (αγ)ik +βj + (αβ)ij + εijk, where i = indexes the main plots levels (two diets), j = indexes the subplots levels (five measurements dates), k = indexes the reps, the variance associated with (αγ)ik is the correct error term for testing plot effects and the
variance associated with εijk is the correct error tem the subplo effecs.Then Duncan test was used with significance set at P<0.05. Results and Discussion Dry matter intake (DMI) of the GH was higher (P<0.05) than that of the GS throughout the whole experimental period, probably due to lower palatability of sorghum silage (Frape, 2008). It was expected that fillies from GH would have better body development then GS, however it did not occur, and all the data found is shown in Table 2. It is possible that in a trial period greater than 84 days differences would be noticed. The PERS of GH was higher than GS (P<0.05) but this difference was not due to treatments since the fillies of GH had larger PERS in the beginning of the experiment and the differences at each measurement period remained constant. Rezende et al. (2000) also evaluated the body development of MM fillies subjected to two nutritional programs (supplemented or not supplementation with concentrate feed throughout their first year and reported that at 267 days the fillies had HW, HC and PERT similar those obtained in this study. The HW in this study was 88.3% and 92.0% at 9 and 12 months, respectively, of the height of adult females of the breed MM (Santiago et al., 2014). These results show that the growth and development of the fillies in both groups of this experiment was suitable for the breed. The use of sorghum silage for fillies from 6 to 9 months of age that are also receiving 1.5% BW of a concentrate balanced for growing horses during the dry season allowed normal growth and development of MM fillies. Acknowledgment This work was supported by the Foundation for Supporting Research in the states of Minas Gerais Fapemig, the Coordination for higher Education Staff Development - Capes and National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development - CNPq for financial aid and Guabi for providing the commercial concentrate.
There is no conflict of interests in this manuscript.
References Domingues, J. L. Uso de volumosos conservados na alimentação equina. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, Viçosa, v.38, p.259-269, 2009.Número especial. Fradinho, M. J., Correia, M. J., Beja, F., Rosa, A., Perestrello, F., Bessa, R. J. B., Ferreira-Dias, G., Caldeira, R. M., 2012. Effects of foaling season on growth and development of Lusitano suckling foals raised on extensive grazing systems. In: Forages and grazing in horse nutrition. 132, 315–318. Frape, D. L., 2008. Nutrição e alimentação de equinos. third ed. Roca, São Paulo. Gobesso, A. A. O., Soares, A., RIbeiro, R. M., Tamas, W. T., Gonzaga, I. V. F., 2014. Deposição óssea de cálcio e fósforo, densidade radiográfica e desenvolvimento corporal em potros alimentados com minerais orgânicos. Braz. J. Vet. Res. Anim. Sci. 51, 142–148 . Hunka, M. M., Manso, H. E. C. C. C., Bernardo, R. B., Silva, E. R. R., Ferreira, L. M. C., Manso Filho, H. C., 2014. Development and Body Composition of Quarter Horse Foals during Nursing. Open. J. Vet. Medicine. 4, 276–280 .
Nacional Research Council – (NRC), 2007. Nutrient requirements of horses, sixth ed. National Academy Press, Washington. Rezende, A. S. C., Sampaio, I. B. M., Legorreta, G. L., Moreira, D. C. A., 2000. Effect of two different nutritional programs on orthopedic alterations in Mangalarga Marchador foals. J. Equine. Vet. Sci. 20, 651–656. Santiago, J. M., Rezende, A. S. C., Lana, A. Q., Fonseca, M. G., Abrantes, R. G. P., Lage, J., Andrade, J. M., Resende, T. M., 2014. Medidas morfométricas do rebanho atual de fêmeas Mangalarga Marchador e das campeãs da raça. Rev. Bras. Saúde. Prod. Anim. 15, 141–148 .
Table 1. Chemical composition of experimental feeds Sorghum silage + Vaquero hay + (%) Concentrate Concentrate DM 59.4 88.7 CP 12.2 14.0 MM 13.3 13.6 EE 3.1 2.7 NDF 48.3 54.7 ADF 21.7 21.4 HEM 28.4 35.1 CEL 17.0 19.4 LIG 4.2 3.5 Ca 0.3 0.3 P 0.1 0.1 pH 4.1 DM – Dry matter; CP – crude protein; MM – Mineral matter; EE – Ether extract; NDF – Neutral detergent fiber; ADF – Acid detergent fiber; HEM – Hemicellulose; CEL – Cellulose; LIG – Lignin; Ca – Calcium; P – phosphorous. Table 2. Measurements obtained from weanlings fed sorghum silage (GS) or vaquero hay (GH) as a source of roughage for 5 consecutive collection periods (data collected at the end of each period). Group Collection period Measurements CV (%) 1 2 3 4 5 HW (cm) GS 120 122 124 125 129 3.653 GH 121 123 125 127 129 HC (cm) GS 123 126 126 128 131 3.651 GH 125 127 128 130 131 GS BL (cm) 112 114 116 119 126 4.376 GH 114 117 120 122 125 GS PERT (cm) 123 124 127 129 134 5.304 GH 126 128 130 131 134 GS 14.9 B 15.0 B 15.0 B 15.1 B 15.2 B PERS (cm) 3.595 GH 15.4 A 15.4 A 15.4 A 15.4 A 15.6 A HW-height at the withers; HC-height at Croup; BL-body length; PERT: thoracic circumference; PERS: shin perimeter Averages followed by different capital letters in a column differed (P < 0.05) between the groups by the Duncan test.
Highlights *Sorghum silage is an alternative of roughage in Brazil from drought period, a well conserved silage may be used in the ration for weanlings. * Inclusion of Sorghum silage of up to 50 % of daily allowance allowed for normal growth in MM fillies fed a commercial concentrate. *Dry matter intake was lower for the fillies fed sorghum silage, probably due to lower palatability of sorghum silage
PII: DOI: Reference:
www.elsevier.com/locate/livsci
S1871-1413(17)30290-1 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2017.09.025 LIVSCI3310
To appear in: Livestock Science Received date: 11 October 2016 Revised date: 21 September 2017 Accepted date: 29 September 2017 Cite this article as: Diogo Felipe da Silva Inácio, Adalgiza Souza Carneiro de Rezende, Rafael Henrique Prado Silva, Marilia Martins Melo, Laydiane de Jesus Mendes, Suzana Maruch, Kate da Costa Barcelos, Ângela Quintão Lana and Sarah Lucile Ralston, The use of sorghum silage in feeding weanling horses: Body Development, Livestock Science, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2017.09.025 This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting galley proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
The use of sorghum silage in feeding weanling horses: Body Development a
a
a
Diogo Felipe da Silva Inácio ; Adalgiza Souza Carneiro de Rezende *; Rafael Henrique Prado Silva ; a b a a Marilia Martins Melo ; Laydiane de Jesus Mendes ; Suzana Maruch ; Kate da Costa Barcelos ; a c Ângela Quintão Lana ; Sarah Lucile Ralston a
School of Veterinary, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Science Institute Letters, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Montes Claros, MG, Brazil; c . Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Nj, USA b
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract: A correct and balanced nutrition has a great importance in the development of young horses. Weanlings should reach 90% of their final height at twelve months of age, and it is necessary that their rations allow them to reach their genetic potential during this critical growth period. The objective of this study was to compare the growth and development of weanling fillies fed sorghum silage versus grass hay as the source of forage during the dry season. Fillies of the Mangalarga Marchador breed (MM) were weaned and were randomly allocated to one of 2 groups with 7 foals each: GS: fed sorghum silage (Sorghum bicolor cv. BRS655) or GH: fed Vaquero grass hay (Cynodon cv. CD90160 x cv. Mirage). Both groups were fed a commercial concentrate at the rate of 1.5% body weight (BW) in dry matter daily. The results show that the growth and development of the fillies in both groups of this experiment was suitable for the breed. The use of sorghum silage for fillies from 6 to 9 months of age that are also receiving 1.5% BW of a concentrate balanced for growing horses during the dry season allowed normal growth and development of MM fillies. Keywords: sorghum silage, wealing horses, growth, mesurements
Introduction In Brazil at dry periods it is common to feed weanlings with alternative feed because of the lack of pasture. A correct and balanced nutrition has a great importance in the development of young horses. Excess or deficiency of nutrients can affect growth and/or cause orthopedic disease development (Fradinho et al., 2012; Gobesso et al, 2014). Central Brazil has two clearly defined periods in the year, rainy and dry season, which is characterized by low quality and quantity of forage caused by the lack of rain, and is the period of time when foals are weaned at about 6 months of age, when nutritional needs are 541 g of crude protein and 12.4 Mcal of digestible energy (NRC 2007). Weanlings should reach 90% of their final height at twelve months of age, and it is necessary that their rations allow them to reach their genetic potential during this critical growth period (Frape, 2008), which should last through the dry season (3 months). During the dry season in Brazil alternative feeds such as grass and corn silages, sugar cane are needed to complement the rations of horses, because of the lack of pasture in some properties. Sorghum silage is often used in the feeding of ruminants, and has been used for horses, but there are few controlled studies of its use in feeding young horses. The objective of this study was to compare the growth and development of weanling fillies fed sorghum silage versus grass hay as the source of forage during the dry season. It was hypothesized that the grass hay-fed weanlings would have higher growth rates and development than those fed the silage, due to it’s palatability and feed value (Domingues, 2009). Materials and Methods Study site The experiment was performed at the Haras Catuni, Montes Claros-Minas Gerais/Brazil, between June and September (84 days).
Animals and Treatments Fourteen fillies of the Mangalarga Marchador breed (MM) were weaned (six months of age and body weight: 160 ± 26 kg), and were randomly allocated to one of 2 groups: GS: fed sorghum silage (Sorghum bicolor cv. BRS655) or GH: fed Vaquero grass hay (Cynodon cv. CD90160 x cv. Mirage). Both groups were also fed a commercial concentrate (Equitage P-Guabi Foal (CP: 17%; EE: 3.5%; NDF: 29.1%; ADF: 11.5%; Ca: 0.15%; P: 0.06%; DE: 3.2 Mcal/kg or 13.4 MJ/kg) at the rate of 1.5% body weight (BW) in dry matter daily. Experimental feeds are shown in Table 1. The weanlings were kept separate, in two neighboring paddocks of 50 m² each, with earth floors and individual feeders for the forages (silage and hay) and concentrate in a feeding pen. Food management Forage was fed to provide a total of 1.5% BW daily, given in measured amounts twice a day at 07:00h and 15:00h, with orts collected and weighed to determine intakes, with a forage :concentrate ratio of 50 :50. Water and mineral salt (Coequi Plus Tortuga mineral Salt (I: 125 mg; Cu: 1200 mg; Na: 120 g; Ca: 175 – 185 g; Mn: 970 mg; Co: 21 mg; Zn: 2,2 g; Fe: 2 g; S: 12 g; Se: 10 mg; F(máx.): 600 mg; P: 60 g; Mg: 13,6 g; K: 20 g) were available free choice. Body Development study Each group was weighed, dewormed (Equest Pramox® - moxidectin: 0.4 mg/kg BW + Praziquantel: 2.5 mg/kg BW) and bathed (Butox®-Intervet) against ticks before the start of the experiment. At the beginning of the experiment and every 21 days, fillies were weighed and the feeding allowances were ajusted, and highest point of the withers (HW) , between the top edge of the two shoulders, until the floor, height at croup (HC) central and highest part of the sacred region, between the inner angles of the iliac bones until the floor, height of ship's side, body length (BL) distance from tip of shoulder to the tip of the buttock, settling the metallic rod in the humeral joint until touching the tip of the terminal ileum, thoracic perimeter (PERT) and shin perimeter (PERS) of the fillies were measured with a calibrated measuring stick and measuring tape, the adult weight of MM females is 400 kg (NRC 2007). Experimental design and statistical analysis The experimental design was completely randomized in split plot, with the two diets subdivided plots and five dates of measurements the subplots. The experimental design was completely randomized in split plot, with the two diets subdivided plots and five dates of measurements the subplots, according to the statistical model: Yijk = µ + αi + (αγ)ik +βj + (αβ)ij + εijk, where i = indexes the main plots levels (two diets), j = indexes the subplots levels (five measurements dates), k = indexes the reps, the variance associated with (αγ)ik is the correct error term for testing plot effects and the
variance associated with εijk is the correct error tem the subplo effecs.Then Duncan test was used with significance set at P<0.05. Results and Discussion Dry matter intake (DMI) of the GH was higher (P<0.05) than that of the GS throughout the whole experimental period, probably due to lower palatability of sorghum silage (Frape, 2008). It was expected that fillies from GH would have better body development then GS, however it did not occur, and all the data found is shown in Table 2. It is possible that in a trial period greater than 84 days differences would be noticed. The PERS of GH was higher than GS (P<0.05) but this difference was not due to treatments since the fillies of GH had larger PERS in the beginning of the experiment and the differences at each measurement period remained constant. Rezende et al. (2000) also evaluated the body development of MM fillies subjected to two nutritional programs (supplemented or not supplementation with concentrate feed throughout their first year and reported that at 267 days the fillies had HW, HC and PERT similar those obtained in this study. The HW in this study was 88.3% and 92.0% at 9 and 12 months, respectively, of the height of adult females of the breed MM (Santiago et al., 2014). These results show that the growth and development of the fillies in both groups of this experiment was suitable for the breed. The use of sorghum silage for fillies from 6 to 9 months of age that are also receiving 1.5% BW of a concentrate balanced for growing horses during the dry season allowed normal growth and development of MM fillies. Acknowledgment This work was supported by the Foundation for Supporting Research in the states of Minas Gerais Fapemig, the Coordination for higher Education Staff Development - Capes and National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development - CNPq for financial aid and Guabi for providing the commercial concentrate.
There is no conflict of interests in this manuscript.
References Domingues, J. L. Uso de volumosos conservados na alimentação equina. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, Viçosa, v.38, p.259-269, 2009.Número especial. Fradinho, M. J., Correia, M. J., Beja, F., Rosa, A., Perestrello, F., Bessa, R. J. B., Ferreira-Dias, G., Caldeira, R. M., 2012. Effects of foaling season on growth and development of Lusitano suckling foals raised on extensive grazing systems. In: Forages and grazing in horse nutrition. 132, 315–318. Frape, D. L., 2008. Nutrição e alimentação de equinos. third ed. Roca, São Paulo. Gobesso, A. A. O., Soares, A., RIbeiro, R. M., Tamas, W. T., Gonzaga, I. V. F., 2014. Deposição óssea de cálcio e fósforo, densidade radiográfica e desenvolvimento corporal em potros alimentados com minerais orgânicos. Braz. J. Vet. Res. Anim. Sci. 51, 142–148 . Hunka, M. M., Manso, H. E. C. C. C., Bernardo, R. B., Silva, E. R. R., Ferreira, L. M. C., Manso Filho, H. C., 2014. Development and Body Composition of Quarter Horse Foals during Nursing. Open. J. Vet. Medicine. 4, 276–280 .
Nacional Research Council – (NRC), 2007. Nutrient requirements of horses, sixth ed. National Academy Press, Washington. Rezende, A. S. C., Sampaio, I. B. M., Legorreta, G. L., Moreira, D. C. A., 2000. Effect of two different nutritional programs on orthopedic alterations in Mangalarga Marchador foals. J. Equine. Vet. Sci. 20, 651–656. Santiago, J. M., Rezende, A. S. C., Lana, A. Q., Fonseca, M. G., Abrantes, R. G. P., Lage, J., Andrade, J. M., Resende, T. M., 2014. Medidas morfométricas do rebanho atual de fêmeas Mangalarga Marchador e das campeãs da raça. Rev. Bras. Saúde. Prod. Anim. 15, 141–148 .
Table 1. Chemical composition of experimental feeds Sorghum silage + Vaquero hay + (%) Concentrate Concentrate DM 59.4 88.7 CP 12.2 14.0 MM 13.3 13.6 EE 3.1 2.7 NDF 48.3 54.7 ADF 21.7 21.4 HEM 28.4 35.1 CEL 17.0 19.4 LIG 4.2 3.5 Ca 0.3 0.3 P 0.1 0.1 pH 4.1 DM – Dry matter; CP – crude protein; MM – Mineral matter; EE – Ether extract; NDF – Neutral detergent fiber; ADF – Acid detergent fiber; HEM – Hemicellulose; CEL – Cellulose; LIG – Lignin; Ca – Calcium; P – phosphorous. Table 2. Measurements obtained from weanlings fed sorghum silage (GS) or vaquero hay (GH) as a source of roughage for 5 consecutive collection periods (data collected at the end of each period). Group Collection period Measurements CV (%) 1 2 3 4 5 HW (cm) GS 120 122 124 125 129 3.653 GH 121 123 125 127 129 HC (cm) GS 123 126 126 128 131 3.651 GH 125 127 128 130 131 GS BL (cm) 112 114 116 119 126 4.376 GH 114 117 120 122 125 GS PERT (cm) 123 124 127 129 134 5.304 GH 126 128 130 131 134 GS 14.9 B 15.0 B 15.0 B 15.1 B 15.2 B PERS (cm) 3.595 GH 15.4 A 15.4 A 15.4 A 15.4 A 15.6 A HW-height at the withers; HC-height at Croup; BL-body length; PERT: thoracic circumference; PERS: shin perimeter Averages followed by different capital letters in a column differed (P < 0.05) between the groups by the Duncan test.
Highlights *Sorghum silage is an alternative of roughage in Brazil from drought period, a well conserved silage may be used in the ration for weanlings. * Inclusion of Sorghum silage of up to 50 % of daily allowance allowed for normal growth in MM fillies fed a commercial concentrate. *Dry matter intake was lower for the fillies fed sorghum silage, probably due to lower palatability of sorghum silage