Curva de desidratação da fitomassa forrageira da caatinga (Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul.).

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to measure the dehydration rate and quality of the hay of leaves ands stems of Catingueira (Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul.). The plants had an average of 3 meters in height, flowering and early fruiting. Were selected representative stems with a diameter of 8mm, which were cut, separated into leaves and stem and submitted to the dehydration process in a heater with forced airflow at 60ºC for 72 hours untill constant weight. The dehydration curve was drawn by measuring the weight at constant intervals, with a greater weight loss within 24 hours. The dehydration curve of C. Pyramidalis Tul. were considered normal due to the process of water evaporation depends directly of the leaf/steam relation and the dry matter content. The Catingueira had a good forage potential, and when submitted to the haymaking process, its characteristic smell disappears, wich is another advantage, because this smell could make de hay less attractive to the animals. Due to present a low loss of water and minerals, this species is well adapted and disseminated in our region, and may be a good alternative to supply the lack of fodder in the dry season.