Production and nutritional quality of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Grey in three seasons of the year and its effect on the preference by Pelibuey sheep
Production, nutritional quality and preference of T. diversifolia by Pelibuey sheep was determined, at different ages, in three seasons of the year. Dry matter (DM) production and nutritional quality of forage were measured every 14 d, from the cut to 84 d of age. Leaf and stem samples were taken to determine crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Eight adult Pelibuey sheep were used to determine their preference for T. diversifolia foliage at 42, 56 and 70 d of regrowth. Total DM production was similar in autumn and winter and both greater than spring. In autumn at 56 d and in winter at 70 d after the cut, the production of DM was 9 t ha-1, while in S at 84 d, it was close to 3 t ha-1. The increase or decrease of the morphological components of the biomass over time was different between the seasons evaluated and showed a curvilinear behavior over time, within each season. CP increased linearly with the cutting age. In autumn and winter, there was a higher percentage of NDF and ADF. The 42-d plants had a lower percentage of ADF. The yield of DM and the nutritional quality of T. diversifolia differs depending on the season of year and the age of regrowth. The cutting age of the plant affected its preference by Pelibuey sheep (P=0.0091), it was higher for the foliage of 42 d, followed by 56 and 70 d.
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | spa eng |
| Published: |
Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias
2022
|
| Online Access: | https://cienciaspecuarias.inifap.gob.mx/index.php/Pecuarias/article/view/5906 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|