Authors : Rahim Foroughbakhch , Marco A. Alvarado , Jorge L. Hernandez-Pinero , Abimael E. Cespedes and Ma. Luisa Cardenas-Avila
Abstract: In order to improve the usage of forage feeds for cattle some nutritive parameters of Gleditsia pods from 6 varieties were determined in wethers maintained in individual cages. Results showed dry matter (DM) digestibility values varying from 41-59% with a nutritional value between dry forage and concentrated feed. Softer pods tend to be more digestible. Transit time of pods throughout the digestive tract is likely to be inversely proportional to the amount of ingested feed. Gleditsia pods may be used as an alternative feed complement for cattle.
Rahim Foroughbakhch , Marco A. Alvarado , Jorge L. Hernandez-Pinero , Abimael E. Cespedes and Ma. Luisa Cardenas-Avila , 2008. Nutritional and Digestibility Values of Six Varieties of Gleditsia Triacanthos L. Pods. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 7: 441-444.