Nutritional Value of the Main Raw Materials Used in Feeding Dairy Cattle in Small and Medium-Sized Farms in the Canton of Cayambe

This project addresses the critical need to optimize dairy cattle feeding in the Cayambe canton, where variable climatic conditions (prolonged dry seasons) force small producers to rely on costly or low-quality supplements. The main objective is to conduct an exhaustive nutritional assessment of the most commonly consumed raw materials. The methodology involves a market study to identify key inputs, followed by the collection and bromatological analysis of samples in the laboratory to determine their chemical composition (moisture, crude protein, fiber, etc.). Concurrently, consumption trials will be conducted in selected Production Units (UPAs), using a Latin Square experimental design, to evaluate the palatability of energy and protein rations. Finally, the chemical and consumption data will be statistically processed using INFOSTAT to correlate composition with feed acceptance. The project will conclude with a cost-benefit analysis of the nutrients and the dissemination of results to cattle producer associations to improve feeding efficiency and profitability.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To conduct a comprehensive nutritional assessment of the main raw materials used in feeding dairy cattle within small and medium-sized livestock farms located in the Cayambe canton.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>nan