Utilization of recovered solids from tequila industry vinasse as fodder feed

Digestibility and sheep feeding trials were conducted to determine the efficacy of using fermented solids (FS) collected by centrifugation from tequila distillery wastewater. In the digestibility trial, 12 growing Pelibuey crossbred male sheep weighing 30 kg on average were randomly assigned to one of the following four dietary treatments (dry basis) in three replicates: (1) basal diet (BD); (2) DB + 15% fermented solids (FS); (3) BD + 30% FS and (4) BD + 45% FS. Apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and organic matter for these diets were determined. Apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein for FS were also determined. The feeding trial was conducted with 36 sheep (average initial weight 19 kg). Animals were randomly assigned to one of 12 pens (three sheep per pen). Each pen was randomly assigned to one of the four diets used in the digestibility trial, so that each dietary treatment was fed to three pens of sheep. Average daily gain and feed intake were measured over a 56 day period with subsequent calculations of the feed:gain ratio. It seems that fermented solids can be utilized successfully by sheep which consequently can contribute to feed cost savings and to solve environmental problems of the tequila industry.