Caatinga forage plants used by ruminants in areas of “background pastures”, traditional communities endemic to the semi-arid Bahia: a case study at Fazenda Retiro, Uauá, BA, Brazil

Abstract

This ethnobotanical and agroecological study evaluates local knowledge about plants used
for ruminants, especially goats, in the dry and rainy season in a “background pasture” area in
Uauá, Bahia. Were applied semi-structured interviews and participant observation with 13 families
were used, as well as collection and botanical identification throughout 2012. Were listed
31 species, especially the families Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Anacardiaceae, Malvaceae and
Cactaceae, all with three species. In the dry season, the herds are raised in family plots, while
in the rainy season graze in the collective area. Woody species as caatingueira, umbuzeiro,
juazeiro, icó and favela are more important during the dry season, while in the rainy prevails
the use of herbs as beldroega, ervanço, jitirana, and malva.