Alimentary and anti-methanogenic potential of four tropical species in domestic ruminants

Abstract

Objective: To describe some considerations about the nutritional and antimetanogenic potential of four tropical leguminous plants present in Campeche, Mexico: Bauhinia divaricata, Dalbergia glabra, Piscidia piscipula and Caesalpinia vesicaria, in domestic ruminants.

Design/methodology/approach: The information was obtained from databases and repositories available on the internet, as well as from official websites of national and international organizations.

Results: Although there is vast information of several leguminous species, data still is limited for B. divaricata, D. glabra, P. piscipula and C. vesicaria, despite they are consumed by domestic ruminants. The few available studies report that these species have between 11 and 18% of crude protein (PC) and the presence of some secondary metabolites; however, there is no information regarding their antimetanogenic potential and animal productivity.

Limitations of the study/implications: This study provides an overview of the nutritional and antimethanogenic potential of four species of tropical leguminous plants in domestic ruminants in Campeche.

Findings/conclusions: B. divaricata, D. glabra, P. piscipula and C. vesicaria are leguminous plans that grow in the Yucatan Peninsula, are found in grazing areas and consumed by domestic ruminants; however, there are few reports that determine the nutritional value of their edible components and none that evaluate their effect on animal productivity and their ability to decrease rumen production of methane (CH₄).