Nutritive value of coconuts endosperm products (Cocos nucifera L.) for pigs fattening

The in vitro digestibility (pepsin/pancreatine) of DM, organic matter and N in 15 samples of coconut endosperm (Cocos nucifera L.) defatted or not, grated in natura, from the western Cuban provinces of Artemisa, Mayabeque and Havana, according to a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement with five replications. Defatting determined a significant decrease or increase (P 0.05) of defatting or of stocking origin on the in vitro digestibility of DM, organic matter and N, and reached averages of 48.7, 44.5 and 57.7 %, respectively. It is suggested that the coconut endosperm, given ground and in natura to pigs, can have a considerable use as an energetic and protein source, due to its ileal digestibility. Key words: Nutritive value, endosperm products, fattening, Cocos nucifera