Common vetch (Vicia sativa) for improving the nutrition of working equids in Campesino systems on hill slopes in Central Mexico.

This research article explores the impact of including common vetch to the traditional oat crop diet of working equids in Mexico, with the aim to enhance their nutrition. The study found that the vetch-oats mix resulted in higher yields and improved the condition of the equids.

Research Methodology

• The research was conducted on hill slope Campesino systems in Central Mexico, where equids play a vital role in multiple functions and their proper feeding is often a challenging task.
• A participatory trial was undertaken to assess the potential benefit of adding common vetch to the forage oat crop typically provided to equids.
• The tests involved intersowing common vetch at 40 kg seed/ha with oats at the range of 80-100 kg/ha in small plots. The yield and chemical composition of fresh forage were documented in ten different plots at harvest time.
• The team used a completely random design methodology for data analysis, considering each farmer/plot as a distinct treatment.

Feeding Trial and Results

• A feeding trial was executed comparing the body weight of seven donkeys fed with an oat-vetch mix against seventeen donkeys fed traditional forage.
• There were detectable differences between farmers in forage yields. However, these differences were not attributable to variations in soil types or management practices.
• The study found the mean yield of the oats-vetch mix was 31.0 t/ha of fresh forage, which indicated a 20.5% increase in yield as compared to monoculture crops and had higher crude protein content.
• Furthermore, the donkeys fed on the oat-vetch combination were found to be heavier, indicating a positive effect on their nutritional intake.

Farmers’ Evaluation and Conclusion

• Farmers conducted a favorable review of the oat-vetch association, noting both the elevated yield and the improved health of their equids.
• As supplementing the equids’ diet with common vetch led to better animal health and increased crop yield, the study suggests that this is an apt technology for these campesino farming systems.