Mahecha et al., 2005. Livest. Res. Rur. Dev., 17 (9): 100
Valor nutricional del follaje de Boton de Oro (Tithonia diversifolia [Hemsl]. Gray), en la produccion animal en el tropico
Literature reports on the nutritive value of wild sunflower (Boton de Oro, T. diversifolia) are reviewed, showing that this species has many qualities which give it a high potential for animal production in the tropics. Important features are its high biomass yield and rapid rate of regrowth after cutting, tolerance to acidic soils of low fertility and high protein content (about 20% in dry matter) and dry matter degradability in sacco (90% after 48 h). The content of secondary plant compounds, especially tannins, appears to be low. Although there are reports of satisfactory rates of consumption by sheep, cattle and buffaloes and even poultry (when offered as a meal at 20% of the concentrate), there are few data concerning its nutritive value under practical conditions of animal production. More research is needed in order to substantiate the potential role of this species as a component of agroforestry systems.