Abstract

Background:
Tropical livestock production systems face challenges related to the availability and digestibility of quality forages. Tithonia diversifolia and Moringa oleifera have emerged as promising alternatives due to their high nutritional value and adaptability, though their performance is influenced by agronomic practices.

Aim:
To evaluate how agronomic factors cutting height and frequency in T. diversifolia and planting density in M. oleifera affect forage yield, chemical composition, and in vitro digestibility, and to determine the effect of including their flours in pig diets.

Methods:
Four experimental trials were conducted in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Cutting heights (10, 25, 40 cm) and frequencies (40–60 days) were tested for T. diversifolia, while three planting densities (60k, 80k, 100k plants/ha) were evaluated for M. oleifera. In vitro digestibility assays were performed using diets with 5%, 10%, and 15% inclusion levels of the flours. Proximate analysis, fiber fractionation, and energy estimations were conducted. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and GLM models.

Results:
Cutting T. diversifolia at 40 cm and harvesting at 50–55 days maximized biomass and crude protein content while minimizing structural fiber. M. oleifera showed no significant differences in composition among planting densities, though higher densities tended to increase yield. In vitro digestibility of organic matter remained above 70% with 5–10% forage inclusion, and energy values (DE, EM, NE) were maintained. Higher inclusion levels (15%) decreased starch content and digestibility rates.

Conclusion:
Agronomic optimization significantly improves the forage quality of T. diversifolia and M. oleifera. Their moderate inclusion in pig diets is viable without compromising digestibility or energy supply, offering a sustainable feeding strategy in tropical systems.

Key words: Agronomic management; Forage quality; Tropical forages; In vitro digestibility; Swine feeding.