Authors : R. Foroughbakhch, J.L. Hernandez-Pinero and A. Carrillo-Parra
Abstract: In the semiarid and subtropical regions of Northeastern Mexico, leaves, young stem, fruit and pods of shrubs and herbs are important forage complement into ruminant feeding. In order to determine the effectiveness of the use of shrubs as fodder by goats, floristic compositions, voluntary intake and nutritive value of diets were determined. It was observed in a total of 100 goats (10 goats month-1) grazing in a semiarid shrubland Northeastern Mexico during 10 months. Plant selectivity by goats was obtained using the Multi-Minute Method. Crude Protein (CP), Ether Extract (EE), ash, Crude Fiber (CF), Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE), cellulose and hemicellulose content were determined. Leaves and stem were also analyzed for lignin and condensed tannins. Data on both the consumption of plants and their chemical composition were analyzed using the ANOVA Model. Results from chemical analysis revealed significant (p<0.05) differences in nutrient values between species. Shrub species constituted 78% of the animal diet during the growing season followed by herbs (12-18%) and grasses (6-10%). Furthermore, during the fruit production stage shrub species such as Cordia boissieri, Prosopis sp. and Acacia sp. ranked the highest percentage in the diet (>80%). Among the shrubs most consumed with higher preference index were Cordia boissieri (10.4%), Pithecellobium pallens (10.2%), Acacia rigidula (9.4%), Celtis pallida (8.4%), Acacia farnesiana (8.1%) and Forestiera angustifolia (5.7%). These species offered a good nutritional level with values between 16.5 and 21.9% of crude protein, 13.8-22.9% crude fiber, 11.1-22.4% cellulose and 30.7-50.5% nitrogen free extract.
R. Foroughbakhch, J.L. Hernandez-Pinero and A. Carrillo-Parra , 2012. Nutrient Profile, Floristic Compositions and Preference Index of Shrubs and Herbs Consumed by Goats in Semiarid Region of Northeastern Mexico. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 11: 1299-1305.