Black sucupira seed oil (Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth) as a growth-promoting additive for beef cattle

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of black sucupira oil (Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth) on nutrient intake, digestibility, rumen variables, and serum biochemistry. Four cannulated crossbred steers [body weight (BW) 450 ± 20 kg] were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with the treatments: (1) control (CON), without oil; (2) inclusion of 1.25 g oil seed (OS) kg-1 of dry matter (DM); (3) inclusion of 2.5 g OS kg-1 of DM; and (4) inclusion of 3.75 g OS kg-1 of DM. Results showed no significant effect (P > 0.05) of black sucupira oil seed on rumen pH and N-NH3 levels. However, the inclusion of 2.5 g OS in the diets significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05) crude protein (CP) and DM digestibility. Differences were noted in the concentrations of isobutyric acid (0.67, 0.81, 0.71, 0.80 mmol L-1) and isovaleric acid (0.91, 1.14, 1.21, 1.11 mmol L-1), as well as total volatile fatty acids released in the rumen with OS inclusion. Sampling time significantly affected (P ≤ 0.05) rumen pH and N-NH3. Thus, it can be concluded that black sucupira seed oil decreases CP intake and digestibility, acting as a temporary nutritional modulator in beef cattle diets.