Abstract
Simple SummaryThe low deciduous forest is an ecosystem covering 8% of México’s surface and is present in 15 of the 32 states of the country. It has been observed that sheep and goats feeding in this high biodiverse biome can consume up to 80 plant species. In addition, the low deciduous forest biomass is frequently used to feed small ruminants in cut and carry systems. However, there is not enough information to provide guidelines for its sustainable use by ruminant livestock. In the present review, we present an interdisciplinary approach aimed at identifying the nutraceutical properties of this native vegetation system, involving disciplines like botany, ecology, agronomy, ethology, ethnoveterinary, nutrition, parasitology and chemistry. Nutraceuticals are defined as livestock feeds combining nutritional value with beneficial effects on animal health and productivity. The identification of nutraceutical properties amongst plant species of the low deciduous forest may contribute to the revalorization of this native vegetation system and provide information enabling the design of sustainable livestock feeding/management systems that benefit the nutrition and health of small ruminants, and ultimately human health through the consumption of animal products produced in this native vegetation system.The plant kingdom can influence the productivity and health of herbivores at different levels. However, demonstrating this process in a scientific manner entails substantial endeavors from different disciplines. In the present review, we will describe the features of a native vegetation system traditionally used by small ruminants and use its particularities to build an interdisciplinary approach to evaluate the nutraceutical properties of plants. Initially, we will establish the context of the low deciduous forest (LDF), considering some botanical and nutritional aspects, as well as the presence of plant secondary compounds (PSC) and gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Furthermore, we will focus on coevolutionary aspects that undoubtedly shaped the plants–nutrients–PSC–GIN–herbivore relationship. In addition, the concept of nutraceutical will be discussed to provide clarity and aspects to be considered for their evaluation. Then, ethological, agronomical, nutritional, PSC, parasitological and animal species issues are deepened placing emphasis on methodological approaches. Special focus is given to condensed tannins, as they are the fourth largest group of PSCs and the most studied in livestock sciences. Validation of the nutraceutical properties of plants from native vegetation systems should be seen as a process derived from many scientific disciplines that feed into each other in a cyclic manner.
Highlights
Projections suggest that by 2030, domestic ruminant numbers in developing countries will exceed those of the entire planet in 2000 [1]
Plant species with a null or low intake by ruminants. These plants do not classify as potential nutraceuticals, but those with high availability could be considered for their use as phytotherapeutic or herbal remedies depending on subsequent plant secondary compounds (PSC) content analyses;
A conventional chemical and nutritional profile should include the assessment of parameters like crude protein (CP), metabolizable energy (ME), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and lignin
Summary
Projections suggest that by 2030, domestic ruminant numbers in developing countries will exceed those of the entire planet in 2000 [1]. Efforts to incorporate strategies aimed at maintaining long-term productivity and convert native vegetation biomass into valuable food products for humans continues to be a focus of animal scientists [4,12] In this context, the LDF could represent a viable scenario for research purposes. According to Hoste et al [35], a nutraceutical can be defined as a livestock feed which combines nutritional value with beneficial effects on animal health The latter situation bolsters the idea that native plants harvested by sheep and goats could be considered as nutraceuticals, since they inherently contain different arrangements of nutrients and PSC. An additional outcome would be the revalorization of the LDF plant resources by farmers, general population and political stakeholders alike, who undoubtedly must contribute to protect or rationalize the use of this ecosystems
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
