The dietary preferences of domestic ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats) on Sahelian and Sudano-Sahelian ranges. Il. Diet description trial by studying feed behaviour. Factors of variation in food choices and their consequences
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.19182/remvt.8668Keywords
cattle, sheep, goat, range, feeding behaviour, diet preference, method, browse, legume, SenegalAbstract
The knowledge of the relationship between natural pastures and animals is important to obtain technical references for range management in Sahelian zones as well as to obtain a model for forecasting animal production. In this aim, the botanical composition of the diets of ruminants was studied in relation to the composition of the pastures. Two sites in the Northern part of Senegal were monitored. The herbaceous layer was described in quality and quantity. Trees and shrubs were identified and their density estimated. The diets of the animals were investigated by’ the « shepherd’s handpicking » method. From 1981 to 1983, the botanical composition and the dry matter production of the pastures were different according to the sites and to the year. In general, legumes and some herbaceous are preferred to grasses. The composition of the diet does not reflect the pasture’s composition; still the diet is influenced by the latter. Cattle graze more grasses than sheep and goats. On the other hand, goats prefer more the trees and shrubs compared to the other species. The preferences of the sheep are intermediate between cattle and goals. Regression equations between botanical composition of animal diets and the pasture’s composition are given.
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© H.Guérin et al., hosted by CIRAD 1988
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