Abstract
Abstract The feeding behaviour of goats and impalas was compared in terms of the allocation of feeding time to different food sources, the species of plants favoured and the feeding rates obtained from them. Both goats and impalas eat both grass and browse material, but the impalas are preferential grazers eating more browse in the dry season. Fallen leaves form an important part of the diet of goats and impalas in late autumn and early winter. The goats are capable of utilising a wider range of browse plants than the impalas. Both goats and impalas selected leaves of specific age classes and certain species of woody plants. The presence of straight spines or thorns on the plants has little effect on the feeding of goats and impalas. Hooked thorns are more effective deterrents. The goats utilise a smaller home range than the impalas and do more damage to the woody plants, so may be more suitable for use in controlling bush invasion.
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