The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) shoots as feed for ruminants. The experiment was conducted at the Sheep Technology Centre (CTO), in the municipality of Campo Grande – MS - Brazil. Cassava variety IAC was planted on 03.05.2014, with the aerial part of cassava used as silage, hay, and in natura. The percentage of crude protein in the dry matter of the WFP in silage and hay differed from that observed in natura, with averages ranging from 14.07 to 18.68%. There was a significant difference in IVDMD between the cassava forms, with 62.27% obtained from the in natura form, which was 8.8% and 27.17% more digestible than silage and hay, respectively. The aerial part of cassava has wide versatility for use, with the in natura form showing the best nutritional and economic results. The potential use of silage and hay for ruminant nutrition should be considered due to the possibility of storage without compromising the chemical composition of biomass.
Keywords: Feed utilisation; Forage; Nutrive evaluation; Silage