BROWSE FOLIAGE AS PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT FOR SHEEP FED LOW QUALITY DIETS

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The study investigates the impact of eight shrub leaves on sheep digestion, nitrogen retention, and ruminal characteristics. Results showed minimal differences in nutrient intake and digestion between sheep consuming M. sativa hay and those with various shrubs. Despite high crude protein levels in shrubs, secondary plant compounds appeared to diminish their nutritional value. Nevertheless, native shrubs from northeastern Mexico could serve as a cost-effective supplementary feed for sheep on low-quality roughage diets, highlighting their potential in semiarid regions.