Identification and Chemical Composition of Forage Resources Consumed by Goats in the Mixteca Region of Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract

The Mixteca region of Oaxaca, Mexico, is characterized by extensive grazing of various grasses, shrubs, and trees to raise goats. The objective of this study was to identify and determine the dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the species consumed by goats in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca. The direct observation method was used to collect forage from the species during the rainy (August-September) and dry (April-May) seasons. A botanical collection was made for later identification. The variables considered were the season (rainy, dry) and growth habit (tree, shrub, herbaceous, pod) as treatments. The chemical composition values were analyzed with a completely randomized experimental design. A total of 116 species were identified, of which 74 % were found in the rainy season and 26 % in the dry season. By growth habit, 42 % were trees, 34 % shrubs, and 24 % herbaceous. In addition, 11 % of the total species provided pods that goats consumed. The Fabaceae family was the most represented. Regarding chemical composition, the NDF content of the species was higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the rainy season. By growth habit, the highest values obtained (p ≤ 0.05) for DM were in herbaceous and pods; for OM, in pods; for NDF, in pods and trees; and for IVDMD, in trees, shrubs, and pods. The goat livestock of the Mixteca region in Oaxaca has an important ecological niche. The evaluated species maintain a variable chemical composition between the rainy and dry seasons.