Effect of supplementation with linseed oil (Linum usitatissimum L.), in free and microencapsulated forms, on the performance and consumption of sheep
Biohydrogenation, linseed oil, protected fat.
This study evaluated the effects of including linseed oil (Linum usitatissimum L.), both in free
form and microencapsulated in carnauba wax (Copernicia prunifera), on the intake and
performance of sheep. Forty-five intact male Santa Inês sheep, with an average initial weight of
approximately 19.5 kg and about 120 days of age, were used in a completely randomized design
with five treatment types: control diet; 4% and 8% free linseed oil; and 4% and 8% encapsulated
linseed oil. The diets were formulated aiming for an average daily gain of 200 g, with a
forage:concentrate ratio of 40:60. Nutrient intake, weight gain, average daily gain, and feed
efficiency were evaluated. The results showed that the inclusion of 8% free oil reduced dry
matter intake (836 g/day) compared to the treatments with 4% and 8% protected oil, which
showed intake of 1720 and 1899 g/day (P<0.05). Animals in the 8% free oil treatment had lower
weight (27.34 kg) and lower daily gain (0.139 kg/day) compared to the other treatments
(P<0.05). Treatments with microencapsulated oil had higher intake and performance. Thus, the
inclusion of free oil in the diet compromises the rumen environment, reducing nutrient intake
and animal performance. Therefore, the inclusion of microencapsulated linseed oil proved to be
an efficient nutritional strategy, promoting better nutrient utilization and improved productive
performance of confined sheep.