Use of “maguey” (Agave salmiana otto ex. salm-dick) as forage for ewes

Nutritive value of various parts of maguey (Agave salmiana) was estimated. Results suggest that heads of nine months old castrate maguey showed a better nutrient composition. On sheep feeding trial, body weight (BW) gain was observed to be larger (P<0.05) for ewes fed chopped bagasse as compared to whole ones. In another trial, ewes were fed whole maguey, upper portion maguey leaves or immature flowering stalk, plus concentrate (300 g/ewe); BW gain was larger (P<0.05) for ewes fed flowering stalk (quiotes), as compared to those fed whole maguey, and ewes showed no digestive problems. Maguey bagasse and quiotes with little supplemental concentrate constitute maintenance ration for sheep. © GSP, India.

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