Rumen dry matter degradability of browse species in semiarid areas of Mexico in the dry season

摘要

Arid and semiarid areas occupy most of the total surface of Mexico, that region exhibit considerable diversity in plant community and selective utilization by the animals. Native tree fodder and shrubs occur throughout that areas and cattle, goats andsheeps browse them under extensive systems of grassing. Although, some woody fodder had been studied by different researchers (Eg.: Ramirez and Lezama-Torres, 1997), but, the information in Mexico is scarce on the nutritive value of trees and shrubs fedthe ruminant livestock. The aim of this study was evaluate the parameters of ruminal degradation of woody fodder from semiarid area. The results should help us better understanding the feed potential of such forages.