Local knowledge of woody and herbaceous forage resources for sheep feeding in the municipality of Villavieja (Huila)

Abstract

Sheep production in the north of Huila constitutes a line of importance for alleviating rural poverty. Such is its importance that it could even be developed as a strategic productive activity, seeking to contribute to the region's livestock GDP. From a consolidated database made of 72 sheep farmers interviewed, it was possible to identify that most of the farms (96%) base their animals' feeding on naturalized pastures, with the native grass (Paspalum sp) being the most widespread species, followed by the colosoana grass (Bothrioloa pertusa) and the bufel grass (Cenchrus ciliare), present in more than 80% of the farms. The presences of the woody component with reported forage potential (shrubs and trees) fulfill multiple functions in the sheep producers’ families: source of forage, wood or as shade regulators in paddocks. This potential with certain management practices, can become a livelihood for the sheep producers by optimizing the resources available on the farm. Among the woody species most reported by producers are: Algarrobo (Prosopis juliflora), Ambuco (Acacia canescens Graham), Chaparro (Curatella americana), Cocubo (Solanum auctosepalum), Cruceto (Randia armata), Gomo (Cordia dentata Poir), Guácimo (Guazuma ulmifolia), Pajarito (Struthanthus sp.), Patillo (Banisteriopsis cornifolia), Pelá (Acacia farnesiana), Payande (Pithecellobium dulce), Raspayuco (Chloroleucon mangense) and forage banks with Cratylia (Cratylia argentea), Leucaena (Leucaena Leucocephala) and Matarraton (Gliricidia sepium).