Abstract

HERNANDEZ-MONTIEL, Wilber et al. Potential use and constraints of the legume Canavalia ensiformis for lamb health and productivity. Ecosistemas y recur. agropecuarios [online]. 2017, vol.4, n.10, pp.187-200. ISSN 2007-901X.  https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a4n10.672.

The growing and fattening of male lambs indoors with complete diets is a production practice that has grown in tropical areas. However, the high cost of the ingredients used to prepare commercial feed limits the profitability of this production system. Therefore, it is important to consider the use of available regional ingredients to produce feed for sheep. Among such various ingredients are the seeds of Canavalia ensiformis (jack bean), whose crude protein and metabolizable energy content make them attractive options for use as protein ingredient. However, these seeds have several anti-nutritional factors that limit their widespread incorporation into sheep feeding programs. This review shows the results that have been obtained in growth efficiency of lambs housed in a warm humid environment and fed with diets that inelude raw jack bean seeds. Changes that occur in the rumen microbial population and degradation of dry matter and crude protein of jack bean seeds are highlighted. AdditionaIly, the need to generate knowledge about the application of physical-chemical and biological processes that allow use of jack bean seeds in sheep feeding in a sustainable manner and without risks to their health is discussed.

Keywords : Lamb; jack bean; growth; tropics; daily gain weight.

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