Chemical composition of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam and its potential for ruminant feeding

The chemical composition of the Guazuma ulmifolia Lam and the presence of t oxic factors affecting its consumption were determined. Leaves, leaves with stems and stems and fruits were studied. Results for leaves, leaves with s tems, fruits and stems were (%): crude fibre 25, 77, 45.14, 49.91 and 49.21 ; crude protein 16.46, 14.46, 8.01 and 10.24; ash 11.65, 13.56, 15.88 and 8 .38; lignin 16.91, 19.18, 25.57 and 23.24, respectively; gross energy 12.86 , 15.02, 14.10 and 8.99 (KJ/g), in vitro digestibility: 56, 54.84, 25.69 an d 41.12. Tannins (mg/g) were only found in leaves (0.145), leaves with stem s (0.115) and stems (0.087). There were no saponins, cyanogenic glucosides, hemagglutinins or alkaloids in the samples. It is concluded that the Guazu ma ulmifolia Lam due to its chemical composition and its availability in th e dry tropics, could be considered a potential forage resource that can be used as feedstuff for ruminants due to its protein and energy contribution which would represent an increase in beef and dairy production in these reg ions.