Caulim como marcador de consumo de suplemento e excreção fecal de bovinos a pasto.

The objective was describing the use of kaolin as an extern marker in the dry matter supplement intake and fecal output of cattle grazing. Many markers have limitations, kaolin is a possible intake marker with applicability, because it has acceptable physical and chemical characteristics. The quantification is performed indirectly by aluminum present in the substance, and determined by colorimetric method with aluminon. Currently, research in animal nutrition has presented interesting information, however, flaws in the analytical methodology of kaolin have shown unsatisfactory results. An effective alternative is nitro perchloric acid digestion associated with hydrofluoric acid. So, research for new practical and low-cost methodologies that present accurate and robust results is still necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]