Abstract
Ramírez, R.G., Ledezma-Torres, R.A. and Martínez, R. 1999. Nutrient utilization of bean straw, alfalfa hay and leaves of the shrub Cercidium macrum by goats and sheep. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 15:137–148. In an in vivo digestion and nitrogen balance trial, using Spanish goats fed bean straw, forage from the shrub palo verde (Cercidium macrum) was evaluated as a protein supplement and compared to alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa). Using ruminally cannulated Pelibuey sheep, the rate and extent of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and cell wall (CW) digestion and effective degradability (ED) in palo verde leaves, bean straw or alfalfa hay were evaluated. Twelve Spanish goats were fed three diets (four goats/diet): (1) 23% alfalfa hay + 77%bean straw, (2) 13% palo verde leaves + 87% bean straw and (3) 100% bean straw. The twelve sheep, during the in situ trial were fed alfalfa- hay ad libitum. Spanish goats fed the palo verde or alfalfa, hay diets digested similar (P>0.05) amounts of DM, CP and CW, but more (P<0.05) than the goats fed only bean straw. The same pattern was found in the nitrogen balance of goats. The EDDM and EDCW were higher in palo verde leaves compared to other forages; however, EDCP was higher in alfalfa hay compared to other forages. In this study palo verde leaves influenced forage intake, DM, CP and CW digestibilities and nitrogen balance of goats in a manner similar to alfalfa hay.
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