Performance of Holstein x Zebu steers under confinement conditions fed Saccharina

The effect of four levels (0, 1, 2 and 3 kg) of Saccharina 20 % ground maiz e (S + M) on the performance of steers. under confinement conditions was ev aluated. In a random block design 24 steers of 12 and 18 months of age and an initial average LW of 253 kg were used. The experimental period lasted 7 0 days with the following treatments: T1 -silage (70 % Pennisetum purpureum and 30 % sorghum) ad libitum, T2 - silage ad libitum - 1.0 kg of S - M, T3 - silage ad libitum + 2.0 kg of S + M, T4 - silage ad libitum 3.0 kg of S + M. There was no significant difference (P < 0.05) between treatments in d ry matter intake, crude protein (Cl?), neutral detergent fiber (NDF). feed conversion and weight gain (WG). Because of the positive effect of 80 % Sac cliarina + 20 % ground maize on feed conversion and live weight gain. the s ubstitution of the silage by tip to 1.82 kg of the mixture is recommended.