Summary
This study characterises the botanical composition and nutritional value of forages consumed by grazing lactating cows during the dry season in subtropical Mexico. The research identifies multiple native and introduced grass and woody plant species as part of the animals' diet within complex agroecosystems with scattered shrubs and trees. The findings are intended to support development of sustainable and efficient grazing management practices that leverage local alternative fodder resources.
Regional applicability
This study focuses on subtropical Mexican grazing systems with distinct dry seasons and native woody species not typical of United Kingdom temperate pastures. However, the methodological approach to characterising botanical diet composition and identifying alternative forage resources may be transferable to UK extensive grazing systems seeking to optimise supplementary feed sources and assess local botanical diversity.
Key measures
Botanical composition of grazing diet, nutritional composition of forage species, forage intake by lactating cows
Outcomes reported
The study documented the botanical composition of lactating cows' diets during the dry season in subtropical Mexico, identifying specific grass and woody plant species consumed and their nutritional contributions. The findings characterise the nutritional value of native and introduced forages including Cynodon plectostachyus, Vachellia farnesiana, Pithecellobium dulce, Guazuma ulmifolia, and Ficus species.
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