In Situ degradability of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. fruits used in targeted nutrition for pelibuey sheep Degradability of Guazuma ulmifolia fruits

Resumen

Objective: To determine the chemical composition and in situ degradability of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. fruits and assess whether targeted nutrition (TN) with 300 g of fruit meal for seven days before the withdrawal of a progestogen influences reproductive variables in Pelibuey ewes.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A proximal chemical analysis and in situ degradability assessment of dry matter and protein from G. ulmifolia fruits were conducted using two Rambouillet rams fitted with rumen cannulas at different incubation times (0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h). To evaluate the effect of TN on reproduction, 71 Pelibuey ewes were assigned to one of two treatments: CIDR (n=36) or CIDR + TN (300 g of G. ulmifolia fruit meal) for seven days (n=35). On day 9, CIDRs were removed, and TN was discontinued.

Results: Estrus synchronization response was similar (p>0.05) between treatments. However, ewes supplemented with G. ulmifolia fruits exhibited a shorter time to estrus onset (28.68±1.15 h). Fertility rates were comparable between treatments (p>0.05), while fecundity was higher in the CIDR + TN group.

Study Limitations/Implications: The use of G. ulmifolia fruits as a dietary supplement promotes their conservation and integration into agroforestry and silvopastoral systems in tropical regions.

Findings/Conclusions: TN with 300 g of G. ulmifolia fruit meal for seven days before progestogen withdrawal reduced the time to estrus onset and increased fecundity in Pelibuey ewes.