Most of the vegetation species of the Caatinga are in the process of secondary succession with predominance of invasive species with low nutritional value, such as the marmeleiro (Croton sonderianus Muell. Arg) and jurema-preta (Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir.), among the lignified species. The herbaceous species and the leaves and branches of lignified species generate around 4,000kg of dry matter/ha/year, but only 10% (400kg) is available for animal grazing. All the same, forage plants of the Caatinga are the main components of the diet of goats and sheep in the region. This aspect associated to overgrazing has contributed to the increased number of low nutritional plants, which may lead to the disappearance of forage plants and accelerate the degradation of pasture quality. Therefore, the referred aspect has become very much a matter of concern of experts and researchers who seek alternative ways to manage the Caatinga regarding the production of goats and sheep. Some management alternatives include: thinning, enrichment, trimming, cutting and conservation of excess forage produced during the rainy seasons for use in the dry season, use of pasture supplementation, among others. Thus, the present study was aimed to present and discuss alternative uses of forage resources of the Caatinga in the feeding of small ruminants and from the perspective of a sustainable use of the Caatinga.
alternative grazing; availability of forage; hay; native pasture