LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF THE GENUS Buddleia IN THE HIGHLANDS OF CHIAPAS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compile local knowledge and to evaluate the nutritive value of Buddleia as a browse plant, in order to increase its utilization as a sheep fodder. Morphological features were used to divide the Buddleia species of the region in three groups. Group 1 included: B. skutckii and B. cordata; Group 2: B. americana and B. crotonoides; and Group 3 : B. parviflora and B. nitida. Although all the Buddleia species are eaten by sheep, those of Group 1 are more abundant and distributed more widely. The species with the highest nutritional value were: B. skutckii and B. crotonoides. Of these two B. skutckii is recommended because of its higher utilization frequency, and better chemical composition and digestibility. A diet for sheep containing 50 % dry matter of B. skutckii was similar in consumption to a diet of kikuyo grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) only and had the effect of a substitute. The incorporation of B. skutckii in the present sheep production system could improve the nutritional status of the animals and reduce the pressure on the grasslands.