Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Forage as a Potential Feed for Animals: A Review

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is a medicinal plant recognized for its pharmacological chemical compounds for humans and animals. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hyperproducer forage technology yields 10–20 t DM/ha/year (t of dry matter/ha/year), depending on the agronomic conditions. Chemical composition of hibiscus forage meal is similar to alfalfa, moringa, tithonia, and cassava forages due to its content of protein, minerals, fiber compound, and metabolizable energy. The fresh forage of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis could be offered in a ratio of 60% plus 40% of grass forage in sheep. Moreover, goats show favorable productive results when fed ad libitum with hibiscus forage. Likewise, inclusion levels of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis forage were recommended for rabbits, pigs, and organic chickens. Hibiscus forage could be considered as a viable alternative feed for ruminant and non-ruminant animals, although more research is needed in other animal species and productive categories. ABSTRACT: This review summarized for the first time the nutritional benefits of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in animal feed. the agronomic characteristics for the hyperproduction of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis were reported, as well as the chemical composition of the forage meal (leaves + petioles + stems), with emphasis on crude protein, amino acids, minerals, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin detergent acid, secondary metabolites, and metabolizable energy for ruminants and non-ruminants. Additionally, their medicinal properties such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, and antipyretic properties were detailed. Its use as a source of protein in ruminant feeding is attractive and can be combined with grasses. In rabbits, fresh forage in high concentrations in the diets reduces the feed palatability, which causes a decrease in animal response, although it depends on the forage quality. In addition, limits for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis forage were recommended in diets or feeding systems for poultry, pigs, rabbits, goats, and sheep.