Assessment of the selectivity of tree species with forage potential for cattle in wet premontane forest ecosystems

Abstract

In Colombia, weather elements generate seasonality in forage production, which affects animal productivity and the profitability of livestock systems. This study aims to evaluate the acceptability of three tree species with forage potential for cattle feeding in wet premontane forest ecosystems. The study was conducted at the “El Cardonal” Ranch, located in the municipality of Ubaque, Cundinamarca. Forage samples from three tree species (Sambucus nigra, Dahlias imperialis, and Acacia decurrens) were collected; 2 kg of fresh material from each species were fed to four Holstein heifers, placed in separate feeders so the animals had the opportunity to select. The study lasted 15 days (5 days of habituation, and 10 days of measurements). Forages were individually served to each animal for 30 minutes, then voluntary intake, time consumption, and the number of visits per species were evaluated. Forage samples (500 g) from each species were collected to determine crude protein (CP), neutral and acid detergent fiber (NDF and ADF), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The nutritional quality showed that D. imperialis was the species with higher CP content (25.1%); however, the S. nigra got the best IVDMD (66.6%), while A. decurrens was the species with the lowest IVDMD (23.7%) and the highest percentage of NDF and ADF (44.5 and 25.4%). All three tree species evaluated were found to have potential for cattle feeding in wet premontane forest ecosystems.