Composición química y cinética de degradabilidad in situ de banano barraganete (Musa balbisiana, AAB) como alimento alternativo en ovinos

Abstract

Ecuador is one of the main exporters of barraganete bananas. During the selection process, around 40% of waste is generated, such as pulp, skin, rachis, and whole fruit, which are not marketable. These wastes have a negative economic and environmental impact due to the costs and challenges of their disposal. However, livestock farms are incorporating these byproducts into animal diets, especially sheep, as they contain nutrients and excellent-quality fibers. This represents a viable alternative, reducing waste and promoting agricultural sustainability and the local economy. The objective of the study was to evaluate the nutritional value of these byproducts and their ruminal degradability in sheep. The research was conducted in the province of Azuay, in the Turi parish. Chemical composition analyses were carried out at the University of Cuenca. Samples of banana pulp, skin, and rachis were incubated in adult sheep with permanent rumen cannulas. The results showed that plantain pulp has the highest effective dry matter degradability (90%), surpassing the peel (65%) and comparative forages (76%). Furthermore, crude protein and fiber content varied across the different banana fractions, positioning the barraganete banana as a suitable energy substitute for intensive and extensive production systems.