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Abstract
The productive response of post-weaning lambs fed with maize (Zea mays L.) ensilage without corncob (EM) or fountaingrass (Pennisetum spp. Schum.) (EMA), plus a raw protein (PC) complement at 16 %, was evaluated. Ten full male lambs of ages 8 to 10 months were used, ZebuEuropean Swiss and Charolais breed, with initial live weight of 18330 kg, distributed randomly in a completely randomized design with five repetitions per treatment. The lambs were housed in two 94 m pens with food and water troughs, and an adaptation period of 14 days was given; data collection began on day 15. Two treatments were evaluated: T1: free access EM16 % PC complement; and T2: free access EMA16 % PC complement. The variables were dry matter consumption (CMS), daily weight gain (GDP), food conversion (CA), ensilage consumption (CE), and meal consumption (CB). There were no differences in GDP (p0.05), while total CMS, CA and CMS of ensilage was higher (p0.05) in lambs that consumed EMA. The results show that the productive response in post-weaning lambs improves when they are fed based on corncob-free EM.