Analytical study of tamarugo (<i>prosopis tamarugo</i>) an autochthonous chilean feed

Abstract

Abstract Tamarugo is a very interesting tree growing in desert and semidesert areas in the north of Chile. The mature fruit and dry leaves of tamarugo fall over the soil forming a thick layer which can be used all year round as the sole feedstuff for sheep and cows. The existence of tamarugo therefore suggests the possibility of keeping breeding ruminants in a desert area. Consequently a chemical and toxicological investigation has been carried out. Results for chemical composition, caloric content, mineral composition (Ca, P, Fe, Na, K, Cu, Zn, Co, Mg and Mn) in mature and green fruits, dry and green leaves and mature seeds, are presented and discussed in comparison with other feedstuffs and with nutritional requirements of sheep. Protein quality studies on the seed were carried out in rats. Attention was given to the presence of possible toxic components: cyanogenetic glucosides, haemagglutinins, saponines and antitryptic factor(s).