Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Forage quality of native pastures on Lanzarote Island (Canary Islands)

Author(s):

José Ramón Arévalo ^1*, José Luis Mora ², Eduardo Chinea ³

Recieved Date: 2011-11-18, Accepted Date: 2012-01-03

Abstract:

We analyzed the potential value as forage of 11 native species (Bituminaria bituminosa, Rumex lunaria, Echium decaisnei, Patellifolia patellaris, Sonchus pinnatifidus, Lotus lancerottensis, Periploca laevigata, Asparagus nesiotes, Rubia fruticosa, Carlina salicifolia and Atriplex halimus) on the island of Lanzarote. These plants are easy to grow on the island. They also serve as a source of feed supply for small ruminants. For these animals, these newer feed resources native to the island of Lanzarote can substitute for Medicago sativa (alfalfa), the traditional imported forage for cattle production on the island. Analysis of plant nutrient contents has revealed several species native to the island of Lanzarote that can serve as possible substitutes for Medicago sativa. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis indicate that Echium decaisnei litter has proportions of nutrient and cell wall content similar to those of Medicago sativa and can therefore serve as a substitute when grown in natural habitats. Patellifolia patellaris is another species that offers possibilities as forage. Although further studies are required in order to understand the response of plants to grazing and the variability of forage properties over time and different weather conditions, the results suggest that these plants are adequate for extensive production as native forage resources.

Keywords:

Conservation, cell wall contents, native and exotic plants, mineral content, goats

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2012
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Category: Environment
Pages: 696-701

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