Bromatological composition of Pteridium aquilinum subs. Arachnoideum collected in Bolivar municipality, Yaracuy state, Venezuela

The fern P. aquilinum is considered one of the five most important weeds in the world and their presence are considered as a predisposing factor for the occurrence of Bovine Enzootic Haematuria in farms of high zones. This research was based on determining the chemical composition (proximal and mineral) of the fern P. aquilinum subs. Arachnoideum present in grazing areas in Bolivar municipality, Yaracuy state, as a contribution to enable new research-oriented routing management of this global problem. For this, samples were collected fronds (2 kg c/u), stratified by phenology in regrowth, young and adult frond, which were subjected to drying and subsequent proximate and mineral analysis. The results indicate that in this species, the crude protein and fat are higher in regrowth (21.4 and 2.03%, respectively) and decrease as the plant changes its stage, while crude fiber and total carbohydrates were higher in adult plants (23.4 and 67.9%, respectively). The average energy levels were 3.3 Mcal.kg(-1) DM in all stages. Nitrogen content (2.5%), phosphorus (0.3%), magnesium (0.1%), copper (10.5 mg.kg(-1)) and zinc (10.4 mg.kg(-1)) is negatively associated (r = -0.96) with the increase of the dry matter. These results disclose the physicochemical characteristics of P. aquilinum subs. Arachnoideum, allowing the inference that the same consumption by cattle is related to poor quality forage supply and there in the fields where it is located.