Work

Efecto De La Suplementación Con Forraje Verde Hidropónico De Maíz Sobre Los Parámetros Hematológicos Y Productivos De Cabras Gestantes Y Su Progenie

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: The growing global population and food security challenges demand sustainable solutions. In rural communities, goat farming is essential but faces high costs and limitations in animal feed. Hydroponic green forage (HGF) is emerging as an efficient and sustainable alternative, providing high digestibility and key nutrients for ruminants. Objective: To evaluate the effect of corn HGF supplementation on the hematological and productive parameters of pregnant goats and their progeny. Methodology: The study was conducted on an agroecological farm in Coatepec, Veracruz, with 20 pregnant goats assigned to two groups: G1 (HGF) and G2 (commercial concentrate). The HGF was produced in a greenhouse following strict germination and irrigation protocols, harvested at 12 days. The goats were managed under controlled conditions. Hematological parameters (red and white blood cell counts) and productive parameters (birth weight, weaning weight, and daily weight gain) were analyzed. Data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (P≤ 0.05). Results: Goats fed with HGF showed significantly higher levels of erythrocytes (P< 0.03), hematocrit (P< 0.02), and hemoglobin (P< 0.01). Their offspring achieved greater weaning weights (P< 0.002) and daily weight gains (P< 0.004). No significant differences were observed in birth weight or body condition. Goats in the concentrate group exhibited lower metabolic balance and greater susceptibility to nutritional deficiencies. Implications: Corn HGF is a sustainable strategy to improve metabolic and productive parameters in goat farming, highlighting its utility in agroecological systems and its capacity to optimize local resources. The long-term benefits in productivity and animal health justify the initial investment in infrastructure. Conclusions: HGF proved to be an efficient option for critical stages such as gestation and lactation, offering nutritional advantages that surpass those of commercial concentrates.

Source: Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems

DOI: 10.56369/tsaes.6155

Authors: Ana Cristhel Jiménez del Carmen, Guadalupe Espejo Beristain, Miriam Barradas Moctezuma, Andrea Laura Suardíaz Solé, Nancy Domínguez González, Fernando Naranjo Chacón

Institution: Universidad Veracruzana

Language: English

Topic: Ruminant Nutrition and Digestive Physiology

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $150