ANALYSIS OF NUTRITIONAL CONTENT OF PLANTS CONSUMED BY GOATS IN A LOCATION IN THE CAÑADA, OAXACA

Abstract

Results of the nutritional content of some consumed plants species by goats (Capra hircus) in San Gabriel Casa Blanca in the Cañada region within the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve are reported. In November 2012 (rainy season) and May 2013 (dry season) 16 plants species commonly consumed by goats were collected. The parameters determined were crude protein, dry matter, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, calcium, phosphorus, in vitro dry matter digestibility and metabolizable energy. The results were compared by multivariate analysis. From the rainy season analyzed species Ceiba parvifolia, Waltheria indica, Prosopis leavigata, Solanum sp. and Sanvitalia procumbens contributed with high content of crude protein, acid detergent fiber, nitrogen-free extract, phosphorus and crude fat; while in the dry season Acacia farnesiana, Prosopis leavigata and Ziziphus pedunculata were important source of crude protein, metabolizable energy and in vitro dry matter digestibility. These results may have implications for management goats in the study region.