Effect of Crude Glycerin on Nutrient Utilization, Ingestive Behavior, Metabolic Profile, and Rumen Parameters of Goats and Sheep

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing ground corn (G) with crude glycerin (CG) in the diet of goats and sheep on nutrient utilization, ingestive behavior, metabolic profile, and rumen parameters. Four rumen‐cannulated goats and four rumen‐cannulated sheep, 57 ± 6.3 kg, were distributed in two 4 × 4 Latin squares. Four levels of experimental diets were tested: control (0% CG), 5%, 10%, and 15% CG as a substitute for G. The intake and digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrients content decreased linearly with increasing CG levels. CG increased ( p < 0.05) rumination time, while feeding and rumination efficiencies reduced ( p < 0.05). CG levels increased ( p < 0.05) the concentration of urea, phosphorus, aspartate aminotransferase, and triglycerides. CG levels increased ( p < 0.05) rumen pH and propionate concentration and reduced ( p < 0.05) concentration of NH 3 , acetate, and acetate:propionate ratio. Replacing corn with CG (42.6% glycerol) up to 5% of the dry matter in the diet of goats and sheep is a promising alternative, as it does not affect nutrient utilization, metabolic blood profile of the animals, or rumen parameters.