Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation to diets containing different biodiesel-derived cakes on the feeding behavior of crossbred Morada Nova sheep and structural traits of a Tanzania grass pasture. Treatments corresponded to four supplements (soybean meal, babassu cake, cotton cake, or castor cake detoxified with calcium hydroxide) that were tested in a completely randomized experimental design with repeated measures arrangement. The structural traits of the pasture did not differ across the treatments. All structural variables differed throughout the successive grazing cycles. Only the animals receiving supplement based on babassu cake exhibited significant differences for the intakes of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber. Dry matter digestibility was lower in sheep supplemented with diets containing soybean meal. The time expended by the sheep grazing, idling, and under the shade net differed. Supplements composed of cotton cake or castor cake detoxified with calcium hydroxide can replace those based on soybean meal. Babassu cake can be used as a strategic ingredient to induce a substitution effect on herbage intake.