Abstract

ROJAS-HERNANDEZ, Saúl et al. Diagnosis of the palatability of fruits of three fodder trees in ruminants. Ecosistemas y recur. agropecuarios [online]. 2016, vol.3, n.7, pp.121-127. ISSN 2007-901X.

The chemical composition, in vitro dry matter (IVDMD) and organic matter (IVOMD) digestibility of the fruits of Pithecellobium dulce, Acacia farnesiana and Acacia cochliacantha were determined. A cafeteria test in calves, sheep and goats was developed to determine through consumption of dry matter and coefficient of preference the palatability of these fruits as a feed source. Crude protein and neutral and acid detergent fiber contents were higher in the A. cochliacantha fruit (p < 0.001) with 11.1, 55.0 and 38.3 %, respectively. Total phenols were higher (p < 0.001) in A. farnesiana fruit with 39.7 %. The IVDMD and IVOMD were greater (p < 0.001) in P. dulce fruit with 57.7 and 35.6 %, respectively. The P. dulce fruit was more palatable (p < 0.0001) for calves and those of A. cochliacanta for sheep and goats (p < 0.05). It is concluded that palatability was higher for A. cochliacanta and P. dulce fruits due to their chemical composition.

Keywords : Palatability; fruits; trees; ruminants.

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