Ramirez et al., 2017. Livest. Res. Rural Dev., 29 (4) Article #66
Evaluación de la edad de corte sobre la composición química y degradabilidad ruminal in situ de lámina de hoja de Ricinus communis L.
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the cutting age on the chemical composition and in situ ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM) of the leaf of Ricinus communis (HRc). For that, the proximal chemical analysis, the fiber fractions and the in situ ruminal degradability of DM of HRc, were made on plants harvested every 60 days (60, 120 and 180 days of age). Alfalfa and sugarcane top (PCA) were used as control forages. The age of the plant did not influence the chemical composition of HRc and did not affect ruminal degradability. Its high protein potential (> 30%), a remarkable level of ethereal extract (> 3%) and low tenor in fiber fractions (FDN <26% and FDA <22%) compared to alfalfa as protein-rich forage (PC = 18.0%) and PCA as a fibrous forage (NDF and FDA = 59.7 and 50.7%, respectively). Regarding the different fractions (a, b and c) of degradability, these showed statistical difference (p <0.001) for HRc, alfalfa and PCA; While in the degradation dynamics HRC was observed to be asymptote at 48 hours (93%), showing statistical difference (p <0.001) compared to alfalfa and PCA. The nutrient value and its high in situ degradability make forage of Ricinus communis (leaf blade) a potential alternative for feeding ruminants harvested at 60 days regardless of plant age.