Objective

:To characterize five protein plants and approach their effect on animal productivity and health.

Materials and Methods

: The available literature related to the agronomy, agroecology and application in production and animal health of the species Moringa oleifera Lam., Tithonia diversifolia Hemsl., A. Gray, Morus alba L., Trichanthera gigantea H. & B. and Cratylia argentea Desv., was consulted, in order to analyze the results obtained in conventional agriculture and animal husbandry systems at international level and in Cuba.

Results

:There is variability in the management, processing and conservation conditions of the forage of M. oleifera, T. diversifolia, M. alba, T. gigantea and C. argentea. Their crude protein contents oscillate between 13 and 33 %. They are sown in densities between 555 and 1 000 000 plants/ha. The yield varies from 3 to 35 t DM/ha/year, and they are abundant during the dry season. With these species between 5 and 7 kg milk/animal/day can be obtained and the animal weight gain can exceed 500 g/animal/day.

Conclusions

:Due to their adaptation to the agricultural conditions of Cuba, biomass availability throughout the year and nutritional value, M. oleifera, T. diversifolia, M. alba, T. gigantea and C. argentea constitute forage resources of quality, with potentialities to supplement the animals and improve their health; besides, protecting the soil and decreasing the methane emission to the environment.

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