Objective:

To evaluate the nutritional composition of the different organs of Spathodea campanulata Beauv. In the two seasons of the year, for its use as alternative feedstuff in the animal production systems in Cuba.

Materials and Methods:

The trial was conducted in the Institute of Animal Science, during the months March-April (dry season) and August-September (rainy season). Samples of ten plants were collected and their different organs were separated to determine the protein content, mineral composition and fiber fractioning. An analysis was carried out, where the seasons of the year and the plant organs were considered as factors. The differences among means were compared by Duncan’s test and the statistical program Infostat® was used.

Results:

Interaction (p < 0,001) of the season with the plant components was found for the ash, macroelements, protein and fiber fractioning. The highest protein concentrations were reached in the dry season and the highest values were found in the leaves and young plant (16,9 and 15,7 %, respectively). The cell wall components showed an opposite performance and the highest values were recorded in the rainy season (60,59; 46,20; 81,57; 59,73 % of dry matter).

Conclusions:

The nutritional composition shows high content of chemical compounds, which constitute essential nutrients for the animal metabolism, which proves the potential of the species S. campanulata for its use as alternative feedstuff in animal production systems.

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