Alimentary and anti-methanogenic potential of four tropical species in domestic ruminants

OObjective: To describe some considerations about the alimentary and anti- methanogenic potential of Bauhinia divaricata, Dalbergia glabra, Piscidia piscipula and Caesalpinia vesicaria (Fabaceae) present in Campeche, Mexico, in domestic ruminants.Design/methodology/approach: The information was obtained from databases and archives in the internet, as well as official pages of national and international organizations.Results: Although there is vast information about some Fabaceae species, it is still limited for B. divaricata, D. glabra, P. piscipula and C. vesicaria, although they are consumed by domestic ruminants. The few studies available report between 11 and 18% of raw protein (RP) and some secondary metabolites; however, there are nostudies that allow understanding their anti-methanogenic potential and their effects on productivity.Limitations on study/implications: This study offers a panorama of the alimentary and anti-methanogenic potential of four tropical species in domestic ruminants.Findings/conclusions: B. divaricata, D. glabra, P. piscipula and C. vesicaria grow in the Yucatan Peninsula, they are found in grazing zones and are consumed by animals; however, there are few reports that determine the nutritional value of their edible components and no reports that evaluate their effect on productivity of domestic ruminants or their capacity to decrease the ruminal production of methane (CH 4 ).