S. Vandenbosch et al., NUTRIENT CONTENT OF BROWSE SPECIES IN THE ARID RANGELANDS OF THE MENDOZA PLAIN, ARGENTINA, Journal of arid environments, 37(2), 1997, pp. 285-298
Crude protein, energy, cell wall, ash and fat content of the five most
important browse species of the Mendoza plain were determined. Browse
showed high mean protein and energy concentration in both the growing
season and dry season. Average cell wall contents were comparable to
those of dormant native grasses. Leaves and twigs of Capparis atamisqu
ea and leaves and inflorescences of Prosopis flexuosa var. depressa sh
owed the highest nutrient content. As in other arid and semi-arid zone
s of the world, browse constitutes a necessary and adequate supplement
to grasses in the dry season. (C) 1997 Academic Press Limited.