Marafalfa grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) and mucuna (Stizolobium pruriens L. Medik) silage in a semi-confined sheep system in southeastern Mexico

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate an alternative for feeding with silage to limit the decrease in productivity in dry seasons for sheep producers. Design/methodology/approach: Ensilage was made with marafalfa grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) and endemic mucuna (Stizolobium pruriens (L.) Medik). The feeding method evaluated consisted of a semi-confined system, allowing the sheep to graze for a period of five hours per day, to later supplement it with the proposed silage. Studies of bromatological parameters were carried out with the three proposed silage treatments, and the weight of the sheep was measured at the beginning, during and at the end of fattening. Results: The results suggest that the P. purpureum silo demonstrates significant weight gain, which is why it is proposed as an alternative for dry seasons. Limitations on the study/implications: In the state of Campeche, sheep production is carried out under extensive direct grazing systems on grasslands, with scarce technology and low productivity. In the dry season, the productivity of these systems suffers a significant loss, due to limitations. Findings/conclusions: Ensilage without the addition of mucuna (S. pruriens) obtained better results in sheep growth and this may be due to palatability. It is suggested to include a drying process prior to adding the mucuna (S. pruriens)