Abstract

GARCIA, D.E et al. Integral evaluation of fodder resources for ruminants in Trujillo state, Venezuela. Rev. Fac. Agron. [online]. 2009, vol.26, n.4, pp.555-582. ISSN 0378-7818.

By using a multivariate analysis and hierarchical index determination the fodder potential of twelve species (Chlorophora tinctoria, Morus alba, Pithecellobium pedicellare, Gliricidia sepium, Guazuma ulmifolia, Cordia alba, Trichantera gigantea, Tithonia diversifolia, Leucaena leucocephala, Moringa oleifera, Azadirachta indica and Samanea saman) in dry tropical forest area, Trujillo state, Venezuela were studied. The behavior of woody species in nursery conditions, establishment and relative acceptability by ovine, goats and cattle was evaluated in experiment 1. However, edible biomass production, chemical composition, rumen degradability and relative acceptability in confinement condition were determined in experiment 2. A high variability for the first three components (97.71%) was detected. The transplant height, growth rate, the final survival in establishment, the biomass production, NDF total terpenoids content and cattle, sheep and goat acceptability in confinement and grazing conditions were the most relevant variables. Using the automatic classification analysis and fodder potential index M. alba, C. tinctoria, G. ulmifolia, P. pedicellare, L. leucocephala and C. alba showed better results. The rest of species showed little relevance as fodder.

Keywords : fodder; sheep; goats; cattle; acceptability.