Sixteen mares ofMangalarga Marchador breed, averaging from 3.5 to 18.4 years old and 394.8 kg,were assigned to a randomized blocks (mares age) design, with four replicatesby treatment, to evaluate the effects of replacing corn cob meal (CCM) withmesquite pod meal (MPM) on nutrient intake. In the digestion trial, the totalfeces collection method was used and the coefficients of apparent digestibilityof dry matter (CDDM), organic matter (CDOM), crude protein (CDCP), acid detergentfiber (CDADF), neutral detergent fiber (CDNDF), hemicellulose (CDHCEL) and grossenergy (CDGE) were estimated. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous andisoenergetic, all containing coastcross hay and concentrate (60:40 ratio).The treatments consisted of increasing replacement levels of CCM with MPM, asfollows: 0, 33, 66 and 100%. No effects of mare age on the variables were detected.No significant effect of increasing MPM levels on dry matter intake, with meanvalues of 1.8% body weight (BW), 7.02 kg DM/day, 79.84 g DM/kg BW0.75,was observed. CDDM, CDOM, CDCP and CDHCEL did not differ among diets and showedthe respective mean values of 49.15, 50.18, 56.89, and 35.43%. Linear decreasingeffect on CDNDF and quadratic effect on CDADF and CDGE were observed as thedietary levels of MPM increased. According to the regression equations, maximumpoint of CDADF could be obtained by replacing 22.3% MPM and maximum values ofCDNDF and CDGE in the diets without MPM. It was concluded that, despite of decreaseon dietary fiber digestibility, mesquite pod meal can be used in horses diets.
