NUTRITIONAL QUALITY AND COST OF PINEAPPLE AND KING GRASS FORAGE BLENDS FOR THE SAN CARLOS REGION OF COSTA RICA

Abstract

There is an increasing interest in nontraditional feeds for livestock as more livestock are being raised within tropical climates.  This study was conducted in May of 2010 in the San Carlos region of Costa Rica to evaluate new and novel feeds, such as pineapple (Ananas comosus) and king grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) forage blends, as an alternative to the traditional feeds offered. The study was designed to provide a nutritional and cost assessment of two new feeds, ensiled pineapple waste and ensiled king grass, blended with soybean (Glycine max) meal, citrus (Citrus sinensis) pulp and rice (Oryza sativa) hulls to achieve three different levels of crude protein with a moisture content of 68%.  The overarching objectives were to find alternative feeds for cattle that could be produced sustainably and economically. In conclusion, it is likely more advantageous to include pineapple waste as part of a feeding system because of its relatively lower ingredient cost.