In Vitro Evaluation of Potentially Edible Brazilian Trees and Shrubs in Ruminant Nutrition.

The present study aims to evaluate the nutritional value of different tree and shrub leaves in Brazilian ruminant production systems. Eight potentially edible trees and shrubs were identified from interviews with 30 ruminant producers: Aroeira (ARO; Lithraea molleoides), Black Mulberry (BMU; Morus nigra), Candeia (CAN; Eremanthus erythropappus), Jatobá (JAT; Hymenaea courbaril), Gliricídia (GLI; Gliricidia sepium), Santa Bárbara tree (SBT; Mélia azedarach), Tithonia (TIT; Tithonia diversifolia), and White Mulberry (WMU; Morus alba). Four leaf samples of each edible tree were sampled, and chemical analyses and in vitro assays were performed. Edible trees (except CAN and JAT) had lower neutral detergent fiber content than Mombasa grass. In addition, SBT, BMU, WMU, and TIT had lower fiber content than the other evaluated edible trees. Consequently, SBT, TIT, BMU, and WMU had improved dry matter degradation. Among the edible trees and shrubs, SMW and WMU increased the potential for gas production (a parameter). On the other hand, CAN decreased the estimated gas production 48 h after incubation. Furthermore, TIT decreased methane production up to 24 h after in vitro fermentation. Thus, except ARO, CAN, and JAT, the edible trees evaluated in the present study are potential feeds in moderate- to high-producing animals. Additionally, TIT fermentation reduces in vitro methane production.

Inclusion of babassu bran produced in milk production in Amazonia.

One important species for extraction and subsistence of traditional populations in Brazil is the babassu palm (Attalea speciosa Mart ex Spreng). As a by-product of the babassu oil socio-productive chain in Amazonia region, the residual bran needs to be better used and could represent an additional source of income for coconut breakers, and a local alternative in the composition of diets for dairy cows. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of a diet containing babassu bran on the intake and digestibility of cows, their production and milk composition, in the Amazon region. The experimental trial was arranged in a Cross over design, composed of fourteen animals, two treatments and two periods of 28 days (21 days for adaptation to diets and 7 days for data collection). Treatments were concentrate without babassu bran (CNV) and with babassu bran (BBS). Milk composition did not differ significantly between treatments. The inclusion of 35.6% BBS in feed ration supported an average daily milk production of 18.2 kg/day, while CNV produced 19.8 kg/day. There was lower feed consumption for BBC, but equal to that of CNV when comparing liters of milk produced per kg of ingested concentrate (1:3.09 CNV × 1:3.07 BBS), which demonstrates that treatments did not differ in productive efficiency. Our results bring the possibility of a better use of babassu bran. This alternative could improve the quality of life of rural populations, while being linked to the conservation of native ecosystems and the sustainable use of socio-biodiversity products.