Production of dry matter and nutritional value of tropical forage shrub species in a biodiverse system

Resumen

Objective: To estimate production, chemical composition, and ruminal degradation kinetics of dry matter from Guazuma ulmifolia and Gliricidia sepium.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Guazuma ulmifolia and Gliricidia sepium were studied at the Germplasm Bank of the Rosario Izapa Experimental Field of INIFAP, estimating dry matter production per plant and per hectare, chemical composition, in situ degradability of dry matter, and ruminal degradation parameters of dry matter.

Results: Both species recorded >19% crude protein content at 30, 45, and 60 days of regrowth. The in situ degradability of dry matter at 45 days of regrowth was higher in G. sepium at all incubation times, while dry matter production per plant and per hectare was higher in G. ulmifolia in all three regrowth times.

Study Limitations/Implications: Data collection and sampling followed manual defoliation. Evaluating the defoliation caused by grazing is still a pending matter.

Findings/Conclusions: The species G. ulmifolia and G. sepium have nutritional and productive characteristics that make them suitable for inclusion in biodiverse forage production systems. G. ulmifolia can be defoliated at 45 days of regrowth, while the defoliation of G. sepium requires 60 days.