NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF TULE (Typha latifolia) IN SHEEP FEEDING IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF MEXICO

Abstract

Background: Sheep production in central Mexico is an important livestock activity that requires the evaluation of feeding strategies to increase or sustain production in times of feed scarcity. Objective: To evaluate the performance of ewes fed diets with different levels of inclusion of Typha latifolia. Methodology: Fifteen criollo adult ewes were randomly grouped to receive different levels of tule (Typha latifolia) in their feeding as a complement to grazing. An incomplete randomized block design was employed. Daily live weight gain, intake, and body condition score were evaluated, as well as grassland parameters and the chemical composition of feeds. The experiment lasted 60 days divided in four measurement periods. All ewes were supplemented with a commercial pelleted concentrate. The control group (T1) had 0g DM of tule, 461.75 g DM commercial concentrate, and 8 h grazing; T2 had 116.5g DM of tule, 461.75 g DM commercial concentrate, and 8 h grazing; and T3 had 174.75 g DM of tule, 461.75 g DM commercial concentrate, and 8 h grazing. Results: There were significant differences (P<0.05) in DM intake of pasture and Typha latifolia. There were no significant differences among treatments (P>0.05) for initial and final live weight, daily weight gain and body condition score. Implications: Typha latifolia is an available non-conventional forage source for adult sheep maintenance in the dry season for small-scale systems. Conclusion: The inclusion of Typha latifolia in diets for sheep may be a good option for feeding adult ewes in maintenance.