Adriano Souza

The objective of this study was to evaluate lipid sources, associated with spineless cactus or not, as a strategy for reducing feed costs in goat milk production. Twelve lactating Saanen goats, with an average body weight of 55.0±8.0kg, were distributed in a 4x4 Latin square, with a 2x2 factorial arrangement. The treatments consisted of two lipid sources (coconut peels - CP; and cottonseed - CT), associated or not with “Orelha de Elefante Mexicana” (OEM) spineless cactus. Goats that consumed diets containing cottonseed as the main source of energy showed higher performance indexes (P<0.05). The CP+OEM treatment presented the lowest cost for 1 kg of dry matter (R$ 1.78). The PC diet demonstrated lower daily feeding costs (R$ 2.54). Total revenue was higher for the CT+OEM diet (R$ 8.17), as was net income (R$ 4.19). Therefore, the association of cottonseed with OEM spineless cactus in the feeding of lactating goats is recommended, due to the reduction in feeding costs, especially with roughage, in addition to superior performance, contributing to greater profitability of the activity. Keywords: economic evaluation, fat feeds, milk production, Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw., small ruminants.