Composição bromatológica e mineral de partes vegetais de espécies forrageiras e não convencionais da Caatinga

Espécies forrageiras e não convencionais da Caatinga

Abstract

The Caatinga biome hosts a wide diversity of forage and non-conventional plant species with potential application in ruminant feeding, especially under semi-arid conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the bromatological and mineral composition of different plant parts from forage and non-conventional Caatinga species. Samples of stems, leaves, flowers, cladodes, galls, and roots were collected, processed, and analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, ash, organic matter, and gross energy, as well as macro- and micromineral contents, using standard analytical methods. The evaluated materials showed marked variability in chemical composition among species and plant fractions, reflecting differences in structural and metabolic functions. In general, leaves and flowers exhibited higher crude protein and mineral contents, whereas stems and roots showed higher fiber levels. These results highlight the nutritional potential of Caatinga plant resources and support their strategic use as alternative feed sources, contributing to sustainable livestock production in semi-arid environments.