Abstract

HERNANDEZ-ESPINOZA, Diana Fabiola et al. Erythrina americana Miller foliage intake in Blackbelly x Pelibuey ewes. Rev. mex. de cienc. pecuarias [online]. 2020, vol.11, n.1, pp.70-88.  Epub June 11, 2020. ISSN 2448-6698.  https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v11i1.5226.

Legume tree foliage can be used as a supplement to grasses in some livestock species. A study was done of the influence that live weight category (LWC) in Blackbelly x Pelibuey ewes has on voluntary intake and digestibility of Erythrina americana foliage, productive efficiency, changes in blood variables and in the number of gastrointestinal nematode eggs per gram feces (EGF). The experimental design was completely random. The factors were LWC (light: 22.2 kg, heavy: 34.4 kg) and evaluation period (EP). Evaluated variables included live weight (LW), daily weight gain (DWG), in situ dry matter degradability (IDMD), daily dry matter intake (g kg-1 LW), crude protein (CP; g kg-1 LW), structural carbohydrates (SC; %), metabolizable energy (ME; Mcal kg-1 LW), condensed tannins (CT; g kg-1 BW) and EGF. Both LWC and EP affected (P<0.01) nutrient intake. The light LWC exhibited a higher nutrient and CT intake (P<0.01) than the heavy LWC, although without a commensurate increase in DWG. The blood variables and EGF were unaffected (P>0.05) by the studied factors and their interaction. Erythrina americana foliage CP, SC and CT contents suggest that it can be used as a sole feed source for short periods (less than 28 days). In both live weight categories E. americana intake produced a positive evolution in DWG and did not affect health status.

Keywords : Agroforestry trees; Intake; Hair sheep; Humid tropics.

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