Harvest and haulage silvopastoral system as an option for sustainable sheep production in the humid tropic

Abstract

In the humid tropical region of Mexico, small-scale sheep production flocks are abundant, in which it is feasible to increase the incorporation of multipurpose trees to give sustainability to the production system. The aim of this review work was to describe the silvopastoral production system in "harvest and foliage haulage" modality in the humid tropic. It includes a comparison of the chemical quality and productive performance of foliage of some tree legume and some creeping-type grasses. Are indicated values on manual harvesting efficiency of foliage and tree-1 foliage yield, and factors that can affect performance. Are identified the secondary metabolites that may be present in tree foliage and their potential benefits or harms to the health and productive status of sheep. In addition, are reviewed some results on the influence of tree foliage consumption at different production stages of sheep. Finally, are mentioned aspects to be studied, results of which will support the sustainability of the silvopastoral production system "harvest and foliage haulage".