Nutritional characterization of a lupine

The aim of this study was to obtain and characterize an ensilage of Lupinus rotundiflorus (Lr) forage / maize stubble (ms) in a 75:25 proportion and to evaluate the productive response of sheep fed with such ensilage. The mixture of the Lr-ms forage with molasses and inoculum was ensiled in 200 liter containers hermetically closed and stored at 22[degrees]C during 30 days. In the ensilage, pH, lactic acid content, ammonia nitrogen (N-NH3), dry matter (DM), ash, NDF, ADF and total alkaloids were determined. Three treatments were studied: 0 (T0), 15% (T1) and 30% (T2) ensilage in an integral diet based on sorgum-soy administered to 18 Pelibuey sheep (average initial weight of 24.45kg) housed in individual corrals during six weeks. A random block design was used. The final weight and weight gain variables were tested by variance analysis. The ensilage pH was 3.9, lactic acid was 4.7% and N-NH3 was 9.6%. DM, protein, ash, NDF and ADF contents were 38.48, 12.50, 6.81, 40.02 and 34.13%; respectively. Final weight and weight gain did not show significant differences (p>0,05) between treatments. The presence of alkaloids in the diets with ensilage did not have negative effects such as toxicity or rejection of feed consumption. Results suggest that the ensilage of Lr-ms in a 75:25 proportion can be added in up to 30% in the sheep diet.