86 Apparent Total Tract Nutrient Digestibility of Human-Grade Dog Foods and Their Effects on Stool Characteristics, Serum Metabolites, and Hematology of Dogs

Abstract Human-grade pet foods are believed to be of higher quality than traditional pet foods, but little research has been conducted on them to date. Therefore, our objective was to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of human-grade pet foods and evaluate their effects on stool characteristics, serum metabolites, and hematology of dogs. Twelve dogs (mean age = 5.5 ± 1.0; BW = 11.6 ± 1.6 kg) were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design. The diets included: 1) Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe (extruded; Blue Buffalo); 2) Roasted Meals Tender Chicken Recipe (fresh; Freshpet); 3) Beef & Russet Potato (human-grade; JustFoodForDogs); and 4) Chicken & White Rice (human-grade; JustFoodForDogs). Each period consisted of 28 d, with a 6-d diet transition phase, 16 d of consuming 100% of the diet, a 5-d phase for total and fresh fecal collection, and 1 d for blood collection. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4. Dogs fed the extruded diet had a higher (P < 0.05) daily food intake (dry matter basis; DMB) and fecal output (as-is and DMB) compared with dogs fed fresh or human-grade dog foods. There were no differences in fecal pH or scores across diets, but ATTD of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and acid-hydrolyzed fat (AHF) were greater (P < 0.05) for dogs fed the human-grade diets than those fed the fresh diet. Likewise, DM, OM, and AHF ATTD were greater (P < 0.05) in dogs fed the fresh diet than those fed the extruded diet. The majority of serum metabolites and blood cell counts of dogs fed all diets were within the reference ranges for adult dogs, with few treatment differences. In conclusion, the human-grade foods tested were shown to be highly digestible and maintained stool characteristics, serum chemistry, and complete blood count in adult dogs.

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Nutrient digestibility and fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites in dogs fed human-grade foods

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab028 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Sungho Do ◽

Thunyaporn Phungviwatnikul ◽

Maria R C de Godoy ◽

Kelly S Swanson

Keyword(s):

Relative Abundance ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Brown Rice ◽

Latin Square ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Blood Collection ◽

Serum Metabolites ◽

Fecal Output ◽

Fecal Ph

Abstract Human-grade (HG) pet foods are commercially available, but they have not been well studied. Our objective was to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of HG pet foods and evaluate their effects on fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites, serum metabolites, and hematology of dogs. Twelve dogs (mean age = 5.5 ± 1.0; BW = 11.6 ± 1.6 kg) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design (n = 12/treatment). The diets included 1) Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe (extruded; Blue Buffalo); 2) Roasted Meals Tender Chicken Recipe (fresh; Freshpet); 3) Beef and Russet Potato Recipe (HG beef; JustFoodForDogs); and 4) Chicken and White Rice Recipe (HG chicken; JustFoodForDogs). Each period consisted of 28 d, with a 6-d diet transition phase, 16 d of consuming 100% of the diet, a 5-d phase for fecal collection, and 1 d for blood collection. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4. Dogs fed the extruded diet required a higher (P < 0.05) daily food intake (dry matter basis, DMB) to maintain BW. The ATTD of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), energy, and acid-hydrolyzed fat (AHF) were greater (P < 0.05) in dogs fed the HG diets than those fed the fresh diet, and greater (P < 0.05) in dogs fed the fresh diet than those fed the extruded diet. Crude protein ATTD was lower (P < 0.05) for dogs fed the extruded diet than those fed all other diets. Dogs fed the extruded diet had greater (P < 0.05) fecal output (as-is; DMB) than dogs fed fresh (1.5–1.7 times greater) or HG foods (2.0–2.9 times greater). There were no differences in fecal pH, scores, and metabolites, but microbiota were affected by diet. Dogs fed HG beef had higher (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and lower (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Firmicutes than dogs fed the fresh or HG chicken diets. The Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Spirochaetes phyla were unchanged (P > 0.05), but diet modified the relative abundance of nearly 20 bacterial genera. Similar to previous reports, these data demonstrate that the fecal microbiota of dogs fed HG or fresh diets is markedly different than those consuming extruded diets, likely due to ingredient, nutrient, and processing differences. Serum metabolites and hematology were not greatly affected by diet. In conclusion, the HG pet foods tested resulted in significantly reduced fecal output, were highly digestible, maintained fecal characteristics, serum chemistry, and hematology, and modified the fecal microbiota of dogs.

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Use of Legumes and Yeast as Novel Dietary Protein Sources in Extruded Canine Diets

Frontiers in Veterinary Science ◽

10.3389/fvets.2021.667642 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Lauren M. Reilly ◽

Fei He ◽

Sandra L. Rodriguez-Zas ◽

Bruce R. Southey ◽

Jolene M. Hoke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acid ◽

Complete Blood Count ◽

Latin Square ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Chain Fatty Acid ◽

Peanut Flour ◽

Serum Metabolites ◽

Protein Sources ◽

Normal Ranges ◽

Dietary Treatments

The popularity of plant-based protein sources has increased as consumer demand for grain-free and novel protein sources increase. Minimal research has been conducted as regards to use of legumes and yeast and their effects on acceptability and digestibility in canine diets. The objective of this study was to evaluate macronutrient apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), gastrointestinal tolerance, and fermentative end-products in extruded, canine diets. Five diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous with either garbanzo beans (GBD), green lentils (GLD), peanut flour (PFD), dried yeast (DYD), or poultry by-product meal (CON) as the primary protein sources. Ten adult, intact, female beagles (mean age: 4.2 ± 1.1 yr, mean weight: 11.9 ± 1.3 kg) were used in a replicated, 5 × 5 Latin square design with 14 d periods. Each experimental period consisted of 10 d of diet adaptation, followed by 4 d of total fecal and urine collection. A fasted, 5 ml blood sample was collected at the end of each period and analyzed for serum metabolites and complete blood count. Serum metabolites were within normal ranges and all dogs remained healthy throughout the study. Fecal quality, evaluated on a 5-point scale, was considered ideal. Macronutrient ATTD was similar among dietary treatments, with diets highly digestible (>80%). Total fecal branched-chain fatty acid concentrations were highest (P < 0.05) for DYD (23.4 μmol/g) than GLD (16.1 μmol/g) and PFD (16.0 μmol/g) but not different (P > 0.05) than other treatments. The plant-based protein treatments had greater (P < 0.05) total fecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations (average 627.6 μmol/g) compared with CON (381.1 μmol/g). Fecal butyrate concentration was highest (P < 0.05) for DYD than all other dietary treatments (103.9 μmol/g vs. average 46.2 μmol/g). Fecal microbial communities showed Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Proteobacteria as abundant phyla. There was greater β-diversity for dogs fed DYD which differed from all other diets in both weighted and unweighted UNIFRAC analyses. Inclusion of these novel, plant-based, protein sources showed no detrimental effects on nutrient digestibility or fecal characteristics and represent viable protein sources in canine diets that can produce beneficial shifts in fecal metabolites.

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49 Effects of in-vitro digestibility in cannulated steers when supplemented different levels of glycerol

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz397.126 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 55-56

Author(s):

Noheli Gutierrez ◽

Jamie A Boyd

Keyword(s):

Dry Matter ◽

Cold Water ◽

Rumen Fluid ◽

Latin Square ◽

Optimal Level ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

In Vitro Digestibility ◽

Study Results ◽

Different Levels

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate effects of increasing concentration of food grade glycerol on rumen environment and nutrient digestibility. Three ruminally cannulated Jersey steers were used in this study. The study was conducted from March to May 2019. Experimental design was a 3x3 Latin square with a 2wk adjustment period followed by a 1wk collection period. Diet was coastal bermudagrass hay based. Different forage types were introduced in the incubation process to evaluate digestibility. Glycerol was administered once a day at 0, 15, or 20% of DMI (dry matter intake). dNDF (digestible NDF) and dDM (digestible dry matter) was determined using an ANKOM Daisy II incubator inoculated with 200g fresh rumen fluid and incubated for 12, 24, 48 and 72 h at 39°C. Each vessel contained ground forage samples in filter bags in triplicate. After incubation, filter bags were rinsed with cold water and dried for 24h in a 55°C forced air oven. Data were analyzed using the Proc MIXED procedure of SAS version 9.4. There was no difference dNDF in effect of different levels of glycerol between forage types by diet. But a numerical tendency was observed that dNDF was decreased at 20% inclusion rates in comparison to 0 and 15% inclusion of glycerol in the diet. Neither steer nor run was significantly different in the study. However as expected digestibility over time was significantly different (P < 0.001). A significant increase was observed in DMI with the increased levels of glycerol in the diet (P = 0.003), both the 15% and 20% levels of glycerol increased in DMI in comparison to the control (0%). It appears based on these study results that digestibility may be inhibited, as levels of dietary glycerol increase in the diet and more work needs to be done to find the optimal level of glycerol supplementation.

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Effects of source and concentration of neutral detergent fiber from roughage in beef cattle diets on feed intake, ingestive behavior, and ruminal kinetics

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skaa107 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Rodrigo S Goulart ◽

Ricardo A M Vieira ◽

Joao L P Daniel ◽

Rafael C Amaral ◽

Vanessa P Santos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Beef Cattle ◽

Feed Intake ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Latin Square ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Corn Silage ◽

Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽

Ingestive Behavior ◽

Rumen Content ◽

Residence Times

Abstract The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of source and concentration of α-amylase-treated neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) from roughage on feed intake, ingestive behavior, and ruminal kinetics in beef cattle receiving high-concentrate diets. Six ruminally cannulated Nellore steers (408 ± 12 kg of body weight) were randomly assigned to a 6 × 6 Latin square design with six diets: 10% aNDF from corn silage (10CS); 20% aNDF from corn silage (20CS); or four diets containing 10% aNDF from corn silage and 10% aNDF from one of the following sources: sugarcane (SC), sugarcane bagasse (SCB), soybean hulls (SH), or low oil cottonseed hulls (LOCH). The parameters of passage and degradation kinetics were estimated based on a two-compartmental model with gamma- and exponential-distributed residence times. The nonlinear models were fitted by nonlinear least squares, and a linear mixed-effects model was fitted to all variables measured from the Latin square design that were related to intake, digestibility, digestion kinetic parameters, and residence times. Mean particle size (MPS) between roughage sources (CS, SCB, and SC) and coproducts (SH and LOCH) was affected (P < 0.05). Dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected (P > 0.05) by 20CS, SC, SH, or LOCH. Steers fed 20CS or LOCH diets had 16% and 20% greater DMI, respectively, (P < 0.05) than steers fed 10CS diet. Steers fed SCB consumed the least dry matter (DM). The SH and LOCH diets had lower MPS values (about 8.77 mm) in comparison to 20CS, SCB, and SC diets (about 13.08 mm) and, consequently, affected (P < 0.05) rumen content, ruminal in situ disappearance, nutrient digestibility, and solid fractional passage rate. Chewing time was affected (P < 0.05) by roughage sources and concentration. Lower values of distance travel inside the rumen (min/cm) were observed (P < 0.05) for the SCB and SC diets in comparison with any other diet. Except for SCB, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in rumen fill, among other treatments. Mean daily ruminal pH was not affected (P > 0.05) by 20CS, SCB, SC, and LOCH diets, and it ranged from 6.1 to 6.23. Total short-chain fatty acids concentration was affected (P < 0.05) by roughage source and concentration. Based on our results, we recommend that under Brazilian finishing diets, replacing roughage sources, except for SCB, based on aNDF concentration of the roughage in high-concentrate diets containing finely ground flint corn does not affect DMI.

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Effect of storage of wet brewer’s grains with incremental levels of salt on apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility and purine derivative excretion in dairy heifers

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skaa393 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Eric Hatungimana ◽

Tess C Stahl ◽

Peter S Erickson

Keyword(s):

Dry Matter ◽

Latin Square ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Metabolizable Energy ◽

Dry Matter Intake ◽

Linear Quadratic ◽

Purine Derivative ◽

Dairy Heifers ◽

Collection Period ◽

Fat Digestibility

Abstract Objectives of this study were to evaluate apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility and purine derivative (PD) excretion in dairy heifers limit-fed diets containing wet brewer’s grains (WBG) treated with salt. A 12-wk replicated 4×4 Latin square was conducted using 8 Holstein heifers of 224.5 ± 19.4 d of age, and body weight (BW) of 219.2 ± 28.1 kg (mean ± SD). Fresh WBG were treated with 0%, 0.8%, 1.6%, and 2.4% salt and stored for 4 d before being fed. Salt was added either to the WBG or separately to equalize the amount of salt in the diet. The diet contained 9% grass silage, 47% corn silage, 19% corn meal, 17.6% WBG and salt, 2% soybean meal (SBM), and 3% mineral mix. Diets were formulated to be limit-fed at 2.15% of BW, provide 14% crude protein (CP) and 2.27 Mcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg of dry matter (DM). Heifers were adapted to diets for 14 d followed by a 7-d collection period. Dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded daily during the collection week while BW was recorded once a week. Urine and fecal samples were collected during the last 4 d of the collection period. Acid insoluble ash was used as an internal marker to determine apparent nutrient digestibility. Weight loss of WBG during storage was determined from d 1 to d 11 and initial and final yeast and mold counts were determined. Final yeast counts were similar among treatments while final mold counts tended to be lesser (P = 0.07) for the 0.8 and 1.6% salt treatments. Urinary volume was similar among treatments while allantoin (P = 0.14), and uric acid (P < 0.01) and total PD excretion tended to increase (P = 0.13) quadratically. Dry matter intake was varied by treatment (linear, quadratic, and cubic effects P < 0.01). Heifers fed the 0.8% treatment had the least DMI. Non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) digestibility linearly decreased (P < 0.04) as salt increased. Digestibilities of DM, and organic matter (OM), tended to decrease (P < 0.10) with increasing levels of salt added to WBG. Fat digestibility was quadratic with the greatest value for the 1.6% treatment. Treating WBG with salt reduced its deterioration based on lesser mold counts for the 0.8 and 1.6% treatments. These treatments had resulted in greater fat digestibility and tended to have increased PD excretion suggesting improved microbial protein synthesis.

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Effect of supplementing wheat offal with varied graded levels of sugarcane scrapping on utilisation of sorghum panicle fed Red Sokoto buck Keyw

Nigerian Journal of Animal Production ◽

10.51791/njap.v44i5.1278 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 44 (5) ◽

pp. 199-202

Author(s):

H. Y. Adamu ◽

A. M. Bolakale ◽

S. B. Abdu ◽

M. R. Hassan ◽

M. Kabir ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sugar Cane ◽

Nitrogen Balance ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Latin Square ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Nitrogen Utilization ◽

Dry Matter Intake ◽

High Dry Matter ◽

Complete Diet ◽

Dietary Treatments

Four Red Sokoto bucks of averageweight 17. 40±2kg were fed sugarcane scrappingmeal in a complete diet to evaluate the nutrients intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance. In a 4×4 Latin Square Design four dietary treatments containing sugarcane scrapping at 0, 10, 20, and 30% levels of inclusion supplementing wheat offal in a complete diet were used The proximate composition of the sugarcane scrapping showed that the scrapping had, 10.01, 2.98%and 3114 Kcal/Kg of CF, CP andME respectively. The results of the trial showed that significant high dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility of some and the nitrogen balance values were recorded in the bucks fed 30%. It was concluded that DM intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of bucks can be enhanced by including 30% of sugar cane scrapping in their diets.

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Effects of Exogenous Glucoamylase Enzymes Alone or in Combination with a Neutral Protease on Apparent Total Tract Digestibility and Feces D-Lactate in Crossbred Angus Bulls Fed a Ration Rich in Rolled Corn

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani10061077 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 1077

Author(s):

Maria Devant ◽

Shukun Yu ◽

Sandra Genís ◽

Torben Larsen ◽

Li Wenting

Keyword(s):

Experimental Design ◽

Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽

Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Lactate Concentration ◽

Latin Square ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Neutral Protease ◽

Apparent Digestibility ◽

Beef Bulls

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two glucoamylases (GA) and the combination of one GA with a neutral protease on apparent total tract digestibility in beef bulls fed a total mixed ration (TMR) rich in rolled corn. Sixteen Angus beef bulls (266 ± 4.9 kg of initial BW, and 182 ± 1.7 d of age) were distributed in 4 blocks, each block consisted of 4 animals balanced by BW. The experimental design was a 4 × 4 Latin square (4 blocks and 4 periods, 2 w per period). Four treatments were tested; (1) control, (2) GA preparation from Trichoderma reesei (TrGA); (3) GA from Aspergillus fumigatus (AfuGA); (4) AfuGA in combination with a neutral protease from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BamPro). Apparent total tract digestibility and fecal D-lactate concentration were analyzed. Enzyme supplementation, regardless of enzyme type, increased apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (from 66.7% to 73.1% ± 2.01), and starch (from 74.7% to 81.8% ± 2.25), without affecting feces D-lactate concentration. Irrespective of glucoamylase type, glucoamylase supplementation improved apparent digestibility of dry matter and starch, and the addition of a protease did not have additional benefits on nutrient digestibility.

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237 Evaluation of cooked and raw garbanzo beans as main plant protein sources in extruded feline diets

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz258.131 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 63-63

Author(s):

Lauren M Reilly ◽

Fei He ◽

Heather Mangian ◽

Jolene Hoke ◽

Gary Davenport ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Intake ◽

Crude Protein ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Complete Blood Count ◽

Latin Square ◽

Protein Source ◽

Pet Food ◽

Nutritional Factors ◽

Plant Protein Sources ◽

Maintain Body Weight

Abstract Garbanzo beans (GB; Cicer arietinum) are a readily available pulse crop that have gained popularity as a plant-based protein source in the pet food industry. However, raw GB contain anti-nutritional factors that can reduce digestibility and cause effects in pets that are undesirable to owners. The objective of this study was to determine GB effects on digestibility, gastrointestinal tolerance, and fermentative end-products in cats fed extruded diets containing raw or cooked GB. Five diets were formulated to have either raw GB at 0%, 7.5%, 15%, or 30% or cooked GB at 30% inclusion. Ten, adult, male cats (mean age: 1.0 ± 0.0 years, mean BW: 4.7 ± 0.4 kg) were used in a replicated 5x5 Latin square design. Each period consisted of 14 d, with 10 d of diet adaptation followed by 4 d of total fecal and urine collection. At the end of each period, 4 mL of blood was collected and analyzed for a serum chemistry and complete blood count to ensure all animals remained healthy throughout the study. Cats were fed twice daily and food intake was calculated to maintain body weight. Food intake was highest (P < 0.05) for cats fed 0% raw GB (72.2 g/d, DMB) compared to higher GB inclusions (average 70.3 g/d, DMB). Dry matter and organic matter apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) were lowest (P < 0.05) among all treatments for the cats consuming the 30% cooked GB diet (77.3% and 81.7%, respectively). Cats fed 7.5% raw GB had higher (P < 0.05) crude protein ATTD (86.2%) than cats fed 15% raw GB (82.3%) or 30% cooked GB (81.6%). In conclusion, all inclusion levels of raw GB showed high digestibility (average >80%) and ideal fecal scores (average 2.9) demonstrating their adequacy as the primary protein source in feline diets up to 30% inclusion levels.

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Apparent nutrient digestibility of two raw diets in domestic kittens

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/1098612x15605535 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 18 (12) ◽

pp. 991-996 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Beth A Hamper ◽

Claudia A Kirk ◽

Joseph W Bartges

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Crude Protein ◽

Dry Matter ◽

National Laboratory ◽

Latin Square ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Heat Processing ◽

Future Research ◽

Fecal Matter ◽

Gross Energy

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate overall dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fat and gross energy digestibility of a feline commercial raw diet and a homemade raw diet compared with a canned, heat-processed diet. Methods Six domestic shorthair kittens (20–28 weeks old) were fed three different diets in a Latin square crossover design. Diet A was a commercially available, canned, heat-processed diet. Diet B was a complete commercial, prefrozen, raw diet (commercial raw), and diet C was a raw diet supplement mixed with ground raw meat obtained locally (homemade raw). Both diets A and B were formulated to meet nutritional profile levels for cats at all life stages. Kittens were given specific diet amounts to maintain a 2–4% weight increase per week. Food was measured before and after feedings to determine the amount eaten, and all feces were collected, weighed and frozen prior to submission. Composite food samples and all feces were submitted to a national laboratory for proximate analysis of crude protein, crude fiber, ash, crude fat, moisture and caloric density. Results Significantly higher digestibility of dry matter ( P <0.001), organic matter ( P <0.001), crude protein ( P <0.001) and gross energy ( P <0.001) was seen in the raw diets compared with the heat-processed diets. This difference resulted in significantly less fecal matter ( P <0.001) despite similar levels of intake and kcal ingested, and evidence of no difference in fecal scores. Conclusions and relevance Higher dry matter, organic matter and protein digestibility was seen in two commercial raw diets compared with a heat-processed diet. Digestibility differences could have been due to variance in dietary protein, fat and carbohydrate concentrations between the diets, variance in dietary ingredients or quality, alterations in protein structure secondary to heat processing, as well as alterations in gastrointestinal flora. Future research examining digestibility in diets with the same macronutrient proportions and ingredients, and mechanisms for any differences, is warranted.

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Self-fed Supplements of Low and Medium Intake for Beef Steers Finished on Pasture

10.21203/rs.3.rs-548103/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Saimon de Souza Souza ◽

Régis Luis Missio ◽

Wagner Paris ◽

Jefferson Felipe Cavazzana ◽

Marcelo Machado Severo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Nutritive Value ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Latin Square ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Ingestive Behavior ◽

Dry Matter Intake ◽

Dry Matter Digestibility ◽

Randomized Design

Abstract The obstacles of using supplementation are related to the cost and labor. Self-fed supplements of low and medium intake can be an option to overcome these problems. However, the nutritive value and pasture yield are crucial to finding the right composition and amount of supplement. We evaluated productive responses of steers receiving self-fed supplements of low and medium intake on Aruana grass pasture. The animal performance, ingestive behavior, and pasture characteristics were evaluated in a completely randomized design with three treatments and three replicates. Twenty-four Aberdeen Angus steers were used as the tester animals. The dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility were evaluated in a 3 x 3 double Latin square repeated over time. The treatments consisted of mineral salt (control), supplementation for intake of 1.5 g/kg body weight (low-intake), and supplementation for intake of 4.0 g/kg body weight (medium-intake). The supplements did not influence the pasture characteristics and ingestive behavior, except the number of bites/day that was higher for the low-intake. Dry matter digestibility and forage intake were not affected by the supplementation, but the total dry matter intake increased for the medium-intake. The average daily gain, stocking rate, and fat thickness gain were higher for the medium-intake. The self-fed supplements of medium-intake increase the total dry matter intake, maximizing the performance of steers on Aruana grass.

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