Chemical composition of Macrocystis pyrifera (giant sargazo) collected in summer and winter and its possible use in animal feeding

Abstract

In the present study, it is established that Macrocystis pyrifera collected in summer and winter, in Bahía Tortugas, B.C.S. (Mexico), presented variation in some components of nutritional interest for various animal species. The results showed significant difference (P < 0.01) in the content of ashes, crude protein, crude fiber and in vitro digestibility. Likewise, higher values were found, for summer, in most of the amino acids. It is concluded that the alga collected in summer is a potential resource, with a higher content of minerals and amino acids, with a good digestibility of the dry matter for ruminants and without the presene of antinutrient factors.