The objective of this study was to nutritionally evaluate the use of pineapple crop waste silage in the feeding of growing bull in different planes of nutrition. We used eight non-castrated growing bull housed in individual covered pens, provided with free access to water and individual trough. Two balanced Latin squares conducted simultaneously were used. Treatments consisted of four planes of nutrition (L), formed by multiples of maintenance, i.e., L = ME/Mm; they were ME/Mm, ME/1.5Mm, ME/2Mm, and ME/2.7Mm. The intake of nutrients in diets was determined by the difference between the total mass of food offered and the mass of orts. To determine nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance, total feces, and urine, collections were performed for seven consecutive days in each animal per period. The increase in planes of nutrition affected (P < 0.05) nutrient intake between L = 1 and L = 1.5. However, there was no effect nutrients intake to 1.5, 2, and 2.7. Nutrient digestibility was affected by the increase in planes of nutrition (P < 0.05), except for dCF (P = 0.0659). Digestible and metabolizable energies were affected (P < 0.05) by the increase in nutritional plans, as well as nitrogen balance. In conclusion, the pineapple crop waste silage presents itself as a good forage alternative for cattle diets, especially during forage shortage periods. Inclusion in the diet at 2.7 × the maintenance level does not compromise growing bull performance. However, the increases in planes of nutrition reduce the digestible energy contents of the diet.
Keywords: By-product; Level of feeding; Nutritional characterization; Ruminants.