Cercidium Macrum Research Articles

Taxonomic review of the species of Parkinsonia (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae) from the Americas

Abstract The genus Parkinsonia has a pantropical distribution with 12 species globally, occurring mainly in arid and semi-arid climate environments. Many taxonomic studies have considered Parkinsonia as a distinct genus of Cercidium, but phylogenetic analyses do not support this distinction because, when together, they form a well-supported monophyletic group. The aim of this study was to review the taxonomy of Parkinsonia species from the Americas. We examined 400 specimens deposited in herbaria, original diagnoses, and types. We present here morphological descriptions, identification key, taxonomic notes and nomenclatural notes, ecology and conservation status, reproductive phenological states, distribution maps and drawings for each species in this treatment. Our study points out eight species of Parkinsonia for the Americas (P. aculeata, P. andicola, P. florida, P. glauca, P. microphylla, P. peruviana, P. praecox, and P. texana), three new synonyms of Parkinsonia (Cercidium macrum, P. inermis, and P. texana var. macra) and six new lectotypifications (Cercidium plurifoliolatum, C. spinosum, P. inermis, P. microphylla, P. praecox, P. texana). The main diagnostic characteristics are green or gray stem, branches generally with thorns, reduced leaves (pinnate appearance) or not reduced (bipinnate), hyphodromous venation, racemose inflorescences, yellow petals and moniliform or flat pod fruit.

Almacenamiento de carbono en la reserva ecológica de Ternium en Pesquería, Nuevo León

La reserva ecológica Ternium es un área de conservación de flora y fauna, que incluye al Matorral Espinoso Tamaulipeco. En este estudio se cuantificó el almacenamiento de carbono en las diferentes áreas de la reserva ecológica. Se realizó un muestreo estratificado al azar con imágenes satelitales para definir las comunidades. En ellas, se muestrearon 10 sitios rectangulares de 10 × 20 m (100 sitios en total) en los que se evaluó el diámetro basal, la altura total y los diámetros de copa de cada individuo con diámetro basal > 3 cm. Para determinar el almacenamiento de carbono se estimó la biomasa mediante ecuaciones alométricas y, una vez calculada la biomasa, se utilizó el factor de 45.4 % para la estimación de carbono propuesto para especies del Matorral Espinoso Tamaulipeco. Se registraron 16 familias, 27 géneros y 28 especies. La comunidad vegetal que presentó mayor biomasa total y contenido de carbono fue la de Mezquite-Huizache con 102.44 y 46.10 Mg ha-1, respectivamente; mientras que en las comunidades vegetales derivadas de plantaciones forestales se registraron las cifras más bajas (1.74 y 3.96 Mg ha-1). En general, el contenido de carbono promedio en el área fue de 12.77 Mg ha-1. Los taxones que contribuyeron a capturar la mayor concentración de carbono por sus dimensiones fueron: Prosopis glandulosa, Acacia farnesiana y Cercidium macrum.

Potential mineral deficiencies on arid rangelands for small ruminants with special reference to Mexico

The production of milk from goats managed under extensive range grazing conditions can be affected in quantity and quality by the nutrient and especially by the mineral content of the forages on the rangeland, which in turn reflects soil and precipitation conditions. Mexico with its large dairy dual-purpose goat population and vast expanses of arid rangelands is a good model for many other countries with similar conditions. In several studies on the semiarid rangeland of northeastern Mexico the voluntary selection of brush browse, forbs and grasses by goats, and in comparison by sheep and deer was determined from observations, collections, samples from esophageally fistulated goats and sheep, and microhistological analyses of deer feces monthly for several years. The area had low annual rain precipitation often less than 400 mm and dry season from November to July. Blackbrush ( Acacia sp.), Mesquite ( Prosopis sp.), Palo verde ( Cercidium macrum), Jujube ( Ziziphus sp.), Hackberry ( Celtis sp.), Pricklypear ( Opuntia sp.), Cenizo ( Leucophyllum sp.), Soapbrush ( Porlieria sp.) were dominant brush species. Goats selected 81 ± 1.4% brush browse, 12 ± 1.2% forbs, and 7 ± 1.0% grasses throughout the year for their diet, while the botanical composition of the rangeland was 41% brush, 19% forbs, and 40% grasses. Goats preferred Acacia, Cercidium, Porlieria, and Celtis. Significant undersupplies of Mg, Cu, Mn, and Zn in the naturally selected diets of goats in relation to requirements in most months was determined. Contrary to the behavior of goats, sheep selected 95–63% grasses, 1–36% browse, and 0.1–2.2% forbs in different months of the year. Sheep had deficient diets in Ca, Mg, K, Cu, and Mn during several months. Deer appeared to select like goats 94% browse, 5% forbs, and 1% grasses. Deer had deficient diets apparently only in Zn during the 6 months of summer and autumn. Several brush browse and grass species with relatively high mineral contents during some seasons were identified as possibly helpful to alleviate mineral deficiencies, such as Hackberry ( Celtis sp.), Soapbrush ( Porlieria sp.), Jujube ( Ziziphus sp.), Desmanthus sp., Cenizo ( Leucophyllum sp.), and Huisache ( Acacia sp.) brush; Hall's Panicum ( Panicum sp.), and Buffelgrass ( Cenchrus sp.).

Nutritional characteristics of browse species from Northeastern Mexico consumed by small ruminants

SummaryMany browse plants that grow in northeastern Mexico are consumed by domestic and wild range small ruminants. However, their nutritional value is determined by their chemical composition and digestibility. Chemical composition depends on the nature of the plant, but climatic conditions determine leaf maturity. Thus, studies to estimate the seasonality of the nutrient profiles of forages from shrubs are necessary. This paper has the objective to discuss the nutrient profiles and the organic matter digestion from the forage of 32 browse plants (13 legumes and 19 non legumes), that grow in northeastern México, and which are consumed by range small ruminants. Browses such as Acacia berlandieri (L.) Wild Acacia rigidula Benth., Ziziphus obtusifolia T and G., Desmanthus virgathus L. and Cercidium macrum I.M. Johnst. are the most abundant in the range, and also are the most selected by ruminants. The seasonal crude protein (CP) content in browse species varied within a range of 4.0 to 22.0%. The cell wall (from 24 to 53%) and its components: cellulose (from 5 to 31%) and hemicellulose (from 2 to 28%) also varied, and in most evaluated shrubs were lower than Medicago sativa hay. Seasonal lignin content also varied among plants species (from 1 to 24%; annual mean), and was higher than Medicago sativa hay. Condensed tannins were low and seasonally variable in most plants (from 0 to 23%). In general, during winter OMD (ranging from 30 to 68%) was higher than in other seasons. Lignin and condensed tannins negatively affected OMD (r = -0.40; P<0.01 and r = -0.53; P<0.001, respectively). The most selected shrubs were those with the highest tannin content. All plants were low in P and Na relative to the needs of adult goats, sheep and white-tailed deer. It is concluded that the chemical composition and OMD of browse plants were very similar among seasons. Because of their high CP, low cell wall, high mineral content and OMD in all plants, these could be considered as good protein supplements for range small grazing ruminants. However, they must be supplemented with P and Na throughout the year.

Seasonal variation of macro and trace mineral contents in 14 browse species that grow in northeastern Mexico

Leaves and twigs from shrub species consumed by range goats: Acacia berlandieri, Acacia farnesiana, Acacia greggii, Acacia rigidula, Celtis pallida, Cercidium macrum, Condalia obovata, Cordia boissieri, Desmanthus virgathus, Leucaena leucocephala, Leucophyllum texanum, Opuntia lindehimieri, Porlieria angustifolia, Prosopis glandulosa, and Ziziphus obtusifolia were evaluated for comparative seasonal contents of Ca, P, Mg K, Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe. Plants were collected in summer (September 12, 1992), fall (November 20, 1992), winter (February 20, 1993) and spring (May 22, 1993) in Marı́n, County, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. During spring and summer mineral concentrations were higher in general. Only Ca, Mg, K, and Fe were in substantial amounts in all seasons to meet adult goat requirements. With the exception of spring, shrubs had extremely low P concentrations. Manganese, Cu and Zn in most plants had low marginal levels to meet adult goat requirements. Moreover, potential intake of P, Mn, Cu and Zn in shrub species by goats weighing 50 kg BW consuming 2.0 kg per day DM was low. However, plants such as D. virgathus, L. texanum, P. glandulosa, L. leucocephala and C. macrum can be considered prominent components in diets of range goats because of their high mineral concentrations. It appears that ration formulations for range goats in northeastern Mexico should include P, Mn, Cu and Zn in all seasons of the year.

Ruminal digestion characteristics and effective degradability of cell wall of browse species from northeastern Mexico

Foliage from 15 shrub species was used to estimate the extent and rate of cell wall (CW) degradation in the rumen of fistulated Pelibuey sheep. Branches from the browse species: Acacia berlandieri, Acacia farnesiana, Acacia greggii, Acacia rigidula, Celtis pallida, Cercidium macrum, Condalia obovata, Cordia boisieri, Desmanthus virgathus, Leucaena leucocephala, Leucophyllum texanum, Opuntia lindehimieri, Porlieria angustifolia, Prosopis glandulosa, and Ziziphus obtusifolia, were collected during the spring of 1993 in Marı́n, County, Nuevo León, México. Medicago sativa hay was used for comparison. Twelve ruminally cannulated male sheep (45 kg BW) were used (four sheep per plant) to incubate nylon bags (5 × 10 cm and 53 μm pore size); containing 4 g of ground material (1 mm screen) of each plant. Bags were incubated at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h. The rate of CW degradation ( c, %) was highest ( P < 0.001) in O. lindehimieri (9.8) and lowest in A. rigidula (2.8). Only O. lindehimieri and C. pallida (8.5) had higher CW degradation rates than M. sativa (7.1). Effective degradability of CW (EDCW), at outflow rates of 2%, 5% and 8% h −1 values were higher in C. pallida (74.3, 62.9 and 56.6), C. obovata (54.5, 45.8 and 39.7), L. leucocephala (54.7, 45.1 and 39.8) and O. lindehimieri (67.8, 56.6 and 50.6) than in M. sativa (54.1, 44.9 and 39.5). High levels of lignin and condensed tannins affected the EDCW in some plants. Species such as C. pallida, C. obovata, L. Leucocephala and O. lindehimieri may be considered as good available forages for grazing ruminants in northern Mexico.

Nutrient Utilization of Bean Straw, Alfalfa Hay and Leaves of the Shrub Cercidium macrum by Goats and Sheep

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.

Influence of native shrubs Acacia rigidula, Cercidium macrum and Acacia farnesiana on digestibility and nitrogen utilization by sheep

Leaves from the shrubs blackbrush acacia ( Acacia rigidula), palo verde ( Cercidium macrum), and huisache ( Acacia farnesiana) were evaluated as protein supplements in low-quality buffelgrass ( Cenchrus ciliaris) straw-based diets for sheep using in vivo (Trial 1) and in situ (Trial 2) digestibility trials. Leaves were collected in Marin, Nuevo León, Mexico. In Trial 1, the four diets that contained approximately 1.5% N consisted of: (1) control—26% alfalfa hay plus 74% buffelgrass straw (BS); (2) 30% blackbrush acacia plus 70% BS; (3) 16% palo verde plus 84% BS; and (4) 21% huisache plus 79% BS. Twelve sheep (Pelibuey×Rambouillet, average 37.5 kg BW) were fed the four diets (three sheep per diet) in two equal portions daily (0800 and 1600) in addition to approximately 400 g of a sorghum grain-based supplement (11%, CP) at 0800 h. In Trial 2 the rate and extent of dry matter (DM) and N loss from nylon bags for alfalfa hay, blackbrush acacia, palo verde, and huisache was evaluated using four ruminally cannulated sheep in a 4×4 Latin square experiment. In Trial 1, nutrient digestibilities were low in sheep fed the blackbrush diet compared with the other three diets. Moreover, sheep fed the blackbrush diet retained less N than sheep fed the other diets. Results of Trial 2 indicated large differences in the ruminal degradability among the four species. Alfalfa hay, palo verde and huisache exhibited rapid rumen digestibility of DM and CP compared with blackbrush. Tannins from blackbrush may have negative effects on N and fiber digestibility and N retention by sheep. However, low tannin shrubs such as palo verde and huisache consumed at low levels, influenced nutrient digestibility and N retention of sheep in a manner similar to alfalfa hay.

White-tailed deer food habits in northeastern Mexico

Microhistological analysis of feces was used to estimate the selection of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus, Tex.) in the state of Nuevo Leon in northeastern Mexico. Browse was the main component of deer diets (94% annual mean). Major species were blackbrush acacia ( Acacia rigidula Benth), guajillo ( Acacia berlandieri Benth) soapbrush ( Porlieria angustifolia Englem), cenizo ( Leucophyllum texanus Benth), huisache ( Acacia farnesiana L), popotillo ( Ephedra aspera Englem), palo verde ( Cercidium macrum I.M. Johnst) and honey mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa Torr). These species represented about 82% the total plant composition of deer diets on an annual basis. Forbs were numerous (23 species in deer diets), but represented only about 5% of the total annual diet. Major forbs in deer diets were Hibiscus spp., Zephyranthes arenicola Hansel, Agrythamnia neomexicana Muell and Dyssodia acerosa DC. Grasses were selected by deer in very low amounts; buffelgrass ( Cenchrus ciliaris L.) was the major grass in the annual diets of deer. Because of the nature of deer diets, it is concluded that browse should be considered an important part of the deer habitat, and that those shrub species that are used by deer for food and refuge should be preserved.

Nutrient intake of range sheep on a buffelgrass ( Cenchrus ciliaris) pasture

This study was conducted to estimate and compare the organic matter (OM), energy and mineral intakes of grazing lambs in a buffelgrass pasture during 1 year. Vegetation in the study area (10 ha) consisted mainly of buffelgrass (70% of covered area) and shrubs such as blackbrush ( Acacia rigidula), palo verde ( Cercidium macrum) and cenizo ( Leucophyllum texanum). Shrubs comprised about 27% of the covered area. From January through December 1989, five 3-year-old castrated male lambs (Pelibuey × Rambouillet), weighing about 39 kg, were used to determine monthly total fecal output. Feces were collected during 4 days, after a 5 day adjustment period. The in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) was determined using esophageal extrusa samples collected from six esophageally fistulated male lambs. Differences ( P < 0.05) were found in OM intake (OMI) among months (annual mean, 818.6 g day). In general, lambs consumed more OM during May, June and July. Digestible energy (DE) intake was different ( P < 0.05) among months. Annual mean was 1436 kcal DE per day. Lambs consumed more DE during May, and least during February. Crude protein intake was highest ( P < 0.05) during July (189.7 g day) and lowest in January (90. 1 g day). Neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI) was also dissimilar ( P < 0.05) among sampling periods, the highest NDFI being in July (974.3 g per day) and the lowest in the winter months. Acid detergent fiber intake of lambs followed a similar pattern to that of NDFI. Macro minerals consumed by lambs (K, Ca, Mg and Na) were in general higher ( P < 0.05) during the summer months compared with other months. Trace minerals (especially Cu and Fe, Zn and Mn) consumed by lambs also varied seasonally. In general, the results of this study indicate that only during the summer months do lambs consume nutrients that meet or exceed their requirements.

Forage selection by range sheep on a buffelgrass ( Cenchrus ciliaris) pasture

During 1989, six esophageally fistulated male lambs (Pelibuey × Rambouillet), weighing 38.8 ± 1.8 kg, were used to collect monthly extrusa on a buffelgrass ( Cenchrus ciliaris) dominated pasture. Sampling periods (January through December) lasted 9 days (5 days adaptation followed by 4 days for extrusa collection). Monthly extrusa were separated in two portions; one was subjected to micro histological analysis and the other to chemical analysis. Botanical composition of the study area (10 ha) was measured monthly. Preference indices of lambs for forage species were also determined. Vegetation of the covered area was composed of 71.7%, 27.7% and 0.6% grasses, shrubs and forbs, respectively. Plant contribution of grasses, shrubs and forbs to the annual diets averaged 85.2%, 14.0% and 0.8%, respectively. Major shrubs in diets were soap brush ( Porlieria angustifolia), black brush ( Acacia rigidula), palo verde ( Cercidium macrum) and cenizo ( Leucophyllum texanum). Soap brush was the main preferred shrub by lambs throughout the year. Preference indices for forbs were inconsistent. Buffelgrass was preferred by lambs during all months, comprising 85.1% of the annual diets. This study suggested that the presence of shrubs and forbs in diets of lambs increased the levels of crude protein and in vitro organic matter digestibility. Even though cell wall constituents (neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber) in forage selected by lambs were variable ( P < 0.05) among months, percentages of these fractions were in agreement with published values. Mixed palatable native shrubs and forbs with buffelgrass in the pasture could improve the nutritive value of the dry matter available in the forage.

Preference Indices for Forage Species Grazed by Spanish Goats on a Semiarid Shrubland in México

Abstract Ramirez, R. G., Sauceda, J. G., Narro, J. A. and Aranda, J. 1993. Preference indices for forage species grazed by Spanish goats on a semiarid shrubland in Mexico. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 3: 55–66. Botanical composition of diets of Spanish goats was studied on the Facultad de Agronomia, V. A N. L. Experimental Station with the objectives to determine monthly differences in preference indices of forage species grazed by Spanish goats on a blackbrush (Acacia rigidula) dominated shrubland. From June, 1988 to May, 1989, four esophageally fistulated mature goats were used to collect fistula extrusa samples. Botanical composition of the grazed area (25 ha) determined on 25 permanent line transects (10 m long), was 77, 15 and 8% shrubs, forbs and grasses, respectively. Contribution of shrubs, forbs and grasses to the annual diets averaged 83.4, 10.3 and 6.4%, respectively. Major shrubs in the annual diets were blackbrush (54. cenizo (Leucophyllum texanum) (16.7%), palo verde (Cercidium macrum) (3.8%), hackb...

Botanical composition of diets selected by range goats in Northeastern Mexico

The botanical composition of diets collected monthly from four esophageally fistulated Spanish goats on a ranch near Marin, Nuevo Leon, Mexico was determined from June 1986 through May 1987. Microhistological analysis showed that goats consumed more browse (81.0%) than forbs (12.3%) and grasses (6.7%). Relative consumption among these plant groups was not uniform ( P<0.01) throughout the year. Goats selected more leaves of brush than any other plant part. Browse content of the diet consisted primarily of blackbrush ( Acacia rigidula), palo verde ( Cercidium macrum), soapbrush ( Porlieria angustifolia) and hackberry ( Celtis pallida). The primary forb species in diets were Zephyranthes arenicola, Ruellia corzoi and Cynanchum barbigerum. Grasses were of lesser importance in the diet; buffelgrass ( Cenchrus ciliaris) was the most important species consumed. The botanical composition of the diets was related to the presence of plant species in the pasture. Some of them appeared in the diet but were not very abundant in the pasture, and the reverse occurred when plant species were abundant in the pasture, but were not selected by goats.