Track 1-16: Production, Environment and Social Benefit of Agroforestry Systems
Forage Yield and Quality of Leucaena leucocephala and Guazuma ulmifolia in Tropical Silvopastoral Systems
Description
Low availability and quality of pastures during the dry season are common problems in tropical livestock production systems. However, several studies indicate that the use of trees and shrubs is a good alternative to overcome those problems (Ku-Vera et al. 1999). In fact, the nutritional value of tree foliage is often better than that of forage grasses. In addition, its use could con-tribute to reforestation and restoration of degraded land (Casanova-Lugo et al. 2010).
Recently, several reports have focused on the incorporation of Leucaena leucocephala in silvopastoral systems (Murgueitio et al. 2012). Nevertheless, there is little information about other tropical tree species with high forage production potential, such as Guazuma ulmifolia, which is broadly used in Southeast Mexico. In addition, little is known about the effect of season on forage quality of these species under a particular management regime.
Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the yield and forage quality of L. leucocephala and G. ulmifolia in the sub-humid tropics during the dry and rainy seasons.
Forage Yield and Quality of Leucaena leucocephala and Guazuma ulmifolia in Tropical Silvopastoral Systems
Low availability and quality of pastures during the dry season are common problems in tropical livestock production systems. However, several studies indicate that the use of trees and shrubs is a good alternative to overcome those problems (Ku-Vera et al. 1999). In fact, the nutritional value of tree foliage is often better than that of forage grasses. In addition, its use could con-tribute to reforestation and restoration of degraded land (Casanova-Lugo et al. 2010).
Recently, several reports have focused on the incorporation of Leucaena leucocephala in silvopastoral systems (Murgueitio et al. 2012). Nevertheless, there is little information about other tropical tree species with high forage production potential, such as Guazuma ulmifolia, which is broadly used in Southeast Mexico. In addition, little is known about the effect of season on forage quality of these species under a particular management regime.
Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the yield and forage quality of L. leucocephala and G. ulmifolia in the sub-humid tropics during the dry and rainy seasons.
