Tempo de coleta para determinação dos coeficientes de digestibilidade de nutrientes em equinos

The objective of this study was to evaluate three fecal collection methods used to estimate nutrient digestibility coefficients in horses. Treatments consisted of three fecal collection methods, namely, total collection (control); use of purified, enriched lignin (LIPE®) as a marker with five days of fecal collection (LIPE 5); and use of LIPE® with three days of fecal collection (LIPE 3). Six mixed-breed, castrated male horses with an average weight of 442.33±33.3 kg, were used in the study. Three collection methods and six replications were considered. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DCDM), organic matter (DCOM), crude protin (DCCP), ether extract and neutral detergent fiber were calculated. However, the neutral detergent fiber digestibility coefficient was higher when the LIPE® methods (three and five collection days) were applied. The digestibility coefficient of non-structural carbohydrates was higher in the LIPE® method with five collection days. The total fecal collection method and the methods involving partial fecal collection during three or five days using LIPE® can be safely adopted to determine the digestibility coefficients in horses.