Maralfalfa (Pennisetum purpureum) and mucuna (Stizolobium pruriens) silage in a semi-stabled sheep system in southeastern Mexico.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this work was to evaluate an alternative for feeding with silage to limit the decrease in productivity in dry seasons for sheep producers.

Design/methodology/approach: A silage was made with the marafalfa grass Pennisetum purpureum and the endemic mucuna Stizolobium pruriens. The feeding method evaluated consisted of a semi-stall system, allowing the sheep to graze for a period of 5 hours a day, to later supplement it with the proposed silage. Studies of bromatological parameters were carried out on the three proposed silage treatments, and the weight of the lambs was measured at the beginning, during and at the end of fattening.

Results: The results suggest that the Pennisetum purpureum silo demonstrates significant weight gain, which is why it is proposed as an alternative for dry seasons.

Limitations of the study/implications: In the state of Campeche, sheep production is carried out under extensive direct grazing systems on grasslands, with little technology and low productivity. In the dry season, the productivity of these systems suffers a significant loss, due to limitations.

Findings/conclusions: Silage without the addition of mucuna obtained better results in the growth of sheep, this may be due to palatability. It is suggested to include a drying process prior to adding the mucuna.