Tithonea diversifolia a promising fodder crop

The constant search for sustainable and high-performance alternatives in animal production has led to the exploration of a wide variety of forage species. Among them, the Tithonia diversifolia, commonly known as in our region as the golden button, this species has aroused increasing interest due to its rapid growth, high biomass production and nutritional value. In that sense, Thitonia diversifolia has been booming in the nutritional food field as a protein alternative in production animals, thanks to its great adaptability, rapid recovery after browsing, drought resistance and high protein content, compared to other fodder crops used in the agricultural field.

This species is native to Mexico and Central America, it is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family. It stands out for its rapid growth, being able to reach heights of up to 4 meters in optimal conditions. Its foliage is abundant, with large, succulent leaves, making it a potentially rich source of forage. According to Duran (2009), the Tithonea diversifolia has a wide range of adaptation, tolerance to acidic conditions and low fertility in the soil, it is also a species with good biomass production capacity, rapid growth and low demand for inputs and management for its cultivation, it has important handling characteristics, so it can be considered as a potential species in animal feed.

Studies have shown that Tithonia diversifolia has a good nutritional profile, with acceptable levels of crude protein, crude fiber and minerals. In addition, its palatability is generally high, which favors its consumption by livestock, however, it is important to consider some aspects before implementing its use as fodder, first of all, anti-nutritional components, some studies have reported the presence of anti-nutritional compounds in the plant, such as tannins and saponins, it is essential to evaluate its concentration and potential impact on animal health. Due to the characteristics of tropical grasses that have low levels of digestible proteins and high fiber contents, the foliage of shrub species has been considered in many cases a nutritional strategy in the supplementation of ruminants in the tropics.

To maximize the yield and quality of the forage of Tithonia diversifolia, it is necessary to implement appropriate management practices, such as fertilization, the application of nitrogen fertilizers can stimulate the growth and production of biomass, the cutting frequency will depend on the productive objective and agroecological conditions. frequent cutting can stimulate regrowth and maintain optimal nutritional quality, Tithonia diversifolia fodder can be supplied fresh, silaged or as hay.

Tithonia diversifolia represents a promising option for forage production in sustainable agricultural systems.Its rapid growth, high biomass production and good nutritional value make it an attractive alternative to supplement animal feed. However, it is necessary to deepen the research on its chemical composition, palatability, digestibility and effects on animal production. In addition, studies are required to evaluate its adaptation to different agroecological conditions and its interaction with other components of the productive system.

Dear readers, Tithonia diversifolia is emerging as a forage species with the potential to contribute to animal food and nutritional security. Its rapid growth and adaptability position it as an interesting option to diversify production systems, however, it is essential to continue researching and developing handling technologies to maximize its benefits and mitigate possible risks.