Palmira, jul. 11 de 2012 - Agencia de Noticias UN- UN-Palmira zootechnical undergraduate students are studying two species of forage plants, known as marigold and guinea grass, as a feeding alternative for cattle.

Many know the plant in Spanish as “botón de oro” (marigold), but scientifically it is called Tithonia diversifolia. It can grow up to five meters high, and is easily recognizable for its big yellow flowers with a strong honey-like scent, and its simple, alternating leaves.  

Guinea grass grows to a height of three meters, and is very nutritious and well-liked by animals. Each hectare of this grass can feed up to two cows.  

These two species are distributed from southern Mexico throughout all of Central America to northern South America  (Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela). UN-Palmira zootechnical students are researching their nutritional value as cattle feed. 

“In this study we’re hoping to assess the yield of these two species via four different processes. We are also measuring the protein, fat, dry matter and fiber content of these plants, which could possibly become viable cattle feed”, says Adalberto Triana, a UN zootechnical student.  

According to him, marigold has a promising future given its soil nutrient recovery properties, its tolerance to low acidity levels, and its endurance of overgrazing. Its most useful feature, however, is that it can be planted on any type of terrain.  

Therefore, the assessments include supervised cattle feeding at the UN-Palmira Mario González Aranda lab-farm, as well as other evaluations such as digestibility and ruminant nutrition.  

“We routinely feed the animals a specific amount of these two plants, mixed with other types of foods. So far, we have determined that there is greater acceptance of the guinea grass in comparison to marigold, maybe because the latter is a bit more bitter”, says Xiomara Mosquera, also a project researcher.  

In the opinion of Professor Sanín Ortiz, Director of the graduate work, this research project relates to two topics of great importance, those being cattle-raising, and its ecological impact. 

“Marigold is an example of wild diversity with many animals being attracted to its leaves. It’s also a great carbon capturer. Its potential use as a forage plant increase the choices for cattle ranchers who would then have more options to choose from”, says professor Sanín.

(Por:Fin/JCR/clc/fgd)

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