CHIHUA SQUASH (CUCURBITA ARGYROSPERMA HUBER), AN ALTERNATIVE FOR ANIMAL DIET IN THE TROPICS

Abstract

Creole squash, known in Maya language as X-top and currently as chihua (Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber), is a very important crop in the state of Campeche, México. In 2014, the value of the seed production was 6 % of the total agricultural production in the state, only after maize (Zea mays L.) in grain, soy (Glycine max), and sugar cane (Saccharum spp.); however, the rest of the fruit (pulp and skin) is discarded or left in the plot. Because it is not used as food for humans, and its use for animals has not been reported, there are no data regarding the composition of the chihua pulp, despite there being yields of 1 t ha^-1 of dry matter from the fruit. Studies with other Cucurbita spp. species point out that it improves the palatability of the diet and increases the quality of cow milk. In addition, it has the potential of being stored in a silo and can substitute part of the fodder from the portion of squash ensilage without affecting the weight gain in buffalo. It has also been used successfully as a source of pigments in diets for laying birds because of its high carotene content. Therefore, the objective of this revision was to evaluate the chihua residue potential for animal food in the state of Campeche, and to suggest some alternatives for its use.