Forage trees, protective alternatives to improve the production and quality of milk in dual purpose cattle, department of Matagalpa, Nicaragua, 2009-2011

Abstract

The main limitation of the Nicaraguan livestock farm exploitation is animal nutrition and feeding, particularly during the dry season, where in most regions of the country, pastures are scarce due to the lack of rainfall. In addition, throughout the year, feeding is based on the use of pastures, which provide fiber and carbohydrates rich in cellulose, which are used due to the symbiotic activity of the ruminal microflora. A real alternative to improve the feeding of cattle is the supplementation with forage trees and shrubs with good percentage of proteins, necessary to meet their maintenance needs and allocate it for milk production and weight gain. In our country, due to influences from institutions and organizations, some of these forage trees have been introduced, such as Nacedero (Trichanthera gigantea), Morera (Morus alba), Cratylia (Cratylia argentea), but some of the native forage trees such as Madero Negro (Gliricidia sepium) are also recommended. This mourishment can be supplemented to animals in fresh form, ensiled or in flour; the last two options are an alternative to provide during the dry season with good quality food for cows in milk production. This paper describes the results of the evaluations of these technologies that present high nutritional contents that fluctuate between 14 and 28% of PB, in presentations ranging from fresh, ensiled and flour; positive behavior in dairy production by increasing milk by up to 12% and the concentration of fat up to 12.5%.