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FOOD ALTERNATIVES FOR A SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OF RUMIANTS IN ARID AND SEMI-ARID ZONES IN MEXICO
* 1 , 1 , 2
1  Socio-environmental Resources and Sustainability Laboratory, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana
2  Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana
Academic Editor: Andrea Pezzuolo

https://doi.org/10.3390/IECA2021-12030 (registering DOI)
Abstract:

In the arid and semi-arid zones of Mexico, during the rainy months (June to October) and until January, due to residual humidity, there is an abundance of forage plants. From February to June there is an intense dry season that limits the good development of the animals. In the Mixtec region of Mexico, we have separately used multinutritional blocks of columnar cactus fruits (Stenocereus griseus L. and Escontria chiotilla L) and mezquite pods (Prosopis laevigata) in the sustainable feeding of goats. The results indicate that the greater consumption of BMN and the weight gain were attributable to the treatment (T3), with an amount of 0.350 ± Kg per day for consumption of MNB and with a weight gain of 0.267 ± 0.024 Kg per day. Regarding the costs of the total blocks consumed, the highest was $ 2.5 USD. Body condition was better reflected in all treatments compared to the control. We also have achieved the establishment of an experimental plot in the form of a protein bank with three species: Prosopis laevigata (mezquite), Acasia farnesiana (huizache)and Acasia cochliacanta (cubata). At 344 days of growth, huizache recorded the longest stem length (60.97 cm), root (60.63 cm) and number of shoots (221.89) compared to cubata (58.16 cm, 43.7 cm and 181.78 respectively). Because mesquite plants were predated by herbivores in the area, it is difficult to make statements regarding the size and number of sprouts, however, the root length is similar to that of the huizache (51.75 cm). Additionally, a hydroponic green forage (HGF) production was obtained and used with laying hens. With theses, 90% of egg laying was achieved in the 31st weeek using 25% of HGF in substitution of concentrate. These three strategies can be of complementary use for a strategic and sustainable production that improves ruminant production in arid and semi-arid zones of Mexico.

Keywords: sustainability, animal feed, arid zones, Mexico, multinutrient blocks, agroforestry

 
 
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