Authors : R. Foroughbakhch , .L. Hernandez Pinero , R. Ramirez , M. A. Alvarado , O. A. Gonzalez de Leon , A. Rocha and M.H. Badii
Abstract: The quality of cattle feed supplements may be enhanced by the addition of certain vegetable components which improve its nutritional value. However, these structural components may vary according to the climate conditions prevalent during the seasonal changes in temperate or subtropical areas. In this sense a characterization of dry leaves from several shrub species was carried out in comparison to alfalfa hay to determine their partial dry weight, crude protein, ash, cell walls, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin and condensed tannins contained during the four seasons. Results showed significant variations between species and seasons in all the variables studied. Thus the importance value of each constituent varies according to the season and so the energy contributed by them to the rumen microorganisms for feed digestion. Likewise, overall high nutritional values are maintained by shrubs even in unfavorable climate conditions, therefore their incorporation in livestock feeding should be normally accomplished.
R. Foroughbakhch , .L. Hernandez Pinero , R. Ramirez , M. A. Alvarado , O. A. Gonzalez de Leon , A. Rocha and M.H. Badii , 2007. Seasonal Dynamics of the Leaf Nutrient Profile of 20 Native Shrubs in Northeastern Mexico . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 6: 1000-1005.