Survey of species composition in the Asteraceae family with value as animal feed in Chieng Ngan commune, Son La city, Son La province

Abstract

This study investigates the species composition and ethnobotanical value of Asteraceae family plants used as livestock feed in Chieng Ngan commune, Son La city, Son La province. Fieldwork was conducted from July 2023 to May 2024 using ethnobotanical methods, including participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with 150 local informants from the Thai ethnic group. A total of 44 plant species used for livestock feed were recorded, representing 34 genera. Leaves were the most commonly utilised plant part. All 44 species were used to feed goats; 33 species were used for buffaloes and cattle, and 15 species for pigs. Nine Asteraceae species had a use value (UV) index of ≥0.90. Two species were also employed in traditional remedies for livestock. The life forms of Asteraceae species were classified as follows: SB=31.82% Hp + 29.55% Th +15.91% Ch+ 15.91% Hm+ 6.82% Na. The majority of species originated from tropical Asia (77.27%), with additional floristic elements identified. Asteraceae species were found across diverse habitats, including farming areas and grasslands (28 species), shrublands (24 species), limestone forests (19 species), secondary forests (17 species), and home gardens and fields (11 species). These findings highlight the significance of traditional knowledge in livestock feeding practices and underscore the potential of Asteraceae plants as valuable feed resources in local agroecosystems.