Bromatological Composition and In Vitro Ruminal Digestibility of Vaines of Neltuma spp. in Three Regions of the State of Zacatecas, México.

Abstract

Neltuma spp. are an important resource in arid and semiarid ecosystems of the country and serve, among other purposes, as an economic source of food for livestock. By analyzing the bromatological composition and in vitro fermentation of pods in three regions of the state of Zacatecas, Mexico, the viability as a food alternative in sheep is sought. Twenty-seven pod samples were collected from nine points in each region of the state. The samples were obtained when the pods were in the immature stage. The bromatological analysis of the pods was conducted and mathematical equations were used to calculate the megacalories per kilogram provided by these fruits. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Bromatological analysis showed that crude protein averaged 20.86 ± 1.37% in the central region, while non-fiber carbohydrates averaged 26.78 ± 1.32% in the southern region. Neltuma spp. pods demonstrate potential as an alternative feed for sheep, provided that an adequate diet is formulated, since they present acceptable levels of protein, carbohydrates and fiber. It is recommended to consider the state of maturity of the pods when incorporating them into the diet of sheep.