Preference Of Goats Research Articles

Comparison of sheep and goat preferences for different forms of stoned olive cake.

The objectives of this experiment were to investigate voluntary intake of stoned olive cake (SOC) in sheep and goats. The feeding experiment was carried out with a total of 10 animals consisting of five Karya yearlings and five Saanen goats (28.0 ± 2.0 and 37.0 ± 2.1kg initial body weight (BW), respectively). Three feeds were offered as free-choice: alfalfa hay-maize silage mix (40:60 in dry matter basis), pelleted SOC, and ensiled SOC. Goats had higher (P < 0.001) dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intakes than sheep, although digestible DM and NDF intakes were similar. Goats consumed more (P < 0.05) pelleted SOC and ensiled SOC than sheep as a percentage of total intake (29.2 and 22.4%, respectively). Both sheep and goats preferred (P < 0.001) the silage form of SOC compared to the pelleted form of SOC.

Seasonal effects of Rhus lancea and Celtis africana on intake, preference, and physiological responses in South African indigenous goats

This study investigated the seasonal effects of Rhus lancea and Celtis africana leaves on preference, intake, weight, and serum metabolites in South African indigenous, mature, male goats. Twelve mature, male goats weighing 34 ± 5.9 kg (mean ± SD) were randomly allocated to two groups of six and kept in metabolic crates for periods of 21 days in October 2015 and March, May, and August of 2016. A browser diet of R. lancea and C. africana and a control diet (lucerne and concentrates) were randomly allocated to each group. Measurements taken included nutritional composition of browse per season, and browse preference, intake, weight changes, and serum metabolites in the goats. The acid detergent fibre (24– 36%) and neutral detergent fibre (26.9–70.4 %) in R. lancea over the months were greater than in C. africana (50.3–53.2% and 49.4–55.4%, respectively). In the preference study, the goats preferred C. africana more in October (51.2 vs 48.8%), March (51.4 vs 48.6%), and May (54.3 vs 45.7%). Goats on the browser diet lost weight in March, May, and in August whereas those on the control diet gained weight. The serum urea concentration of goats consuming browser diets in May and August (1.8–3.3 mmol/l) was lower than the normal range, consistent with animals failing to derive their protein requirements from the diet. Goats prefer to browse C. africana more than R. lancea. The study also indicated the need for supplementation to meet maintenance requirements in animals fed R. lancea and C. africana.

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Browse or browsing: Investigating goat preferences for feeding posture, feeding height and feed type.

Goats naturally browse different forages in various postures; this differs from typical farm practice, thus there are opportunities to improve goat welfare by understanding what and how they like to eat. We investigated if feeding preference was related to posture, feeder height relative to the ground, and type of feed. Sixteen adult, Saanen cross females participated in two experiments comparing a floor-level feeder (grazing posture; farm standard), with an elevated feeder (browsing posture; Exp1) and a platform-level feeder (raised, grazing posture; Exp2), when two forages (leaves, grass) were offered. Measurements included feed intake (g of DM/feeder), feeder switching frequency, first feeder visited, latency to visit first feeder and exploration and non-feeding activity time. Effects of posture (Exp1), height (Exp2) and feed type were analyzed. Type of feed affected preference for feeding posture and height. All goats consumed leaves over grass (Exp1: POP: 188 ± 6.52 g, GRA: 20.3 ± 7.19 g; Exp2: POP: 191 ± 6.15 g, GRA: 0.231 ± 6.91 g; P < 0.001), and the feeder containing leaves was often visited first (Exp 1: GRA/POP: 94% of visits, P < 0.001, POP/GRA: 53%, P = 0.724; Exp 2: GRA/POP: 91%, P < 0.001; POP/GRA: 69%, P = 0.041). When goats received only leaves, they consumed more from the floor-level (162 ± 22.2 g) vs. elevated level (102 ± 21.9 g) feeder (P = 0.039). When goats received only grass, there was no posture or height preference; however, they changed feeders more frequently (at least 4x (Exp1) and 2x (Exp2) more than other combinations; P > 0.01). Feed intake was negatively affected by exploring time (Exp1 only: r = -0.541; P < 0.001) and performing non-feeding activities (Exp1: r = -0.698; P < 0.001; Exp2: r = -0.673; P < 0.001). We did not identify a preference for elevated feeding posture; however, we suggest that our short test (compared to previous work) encouraged goats to make choices based on line-of-sight and also that the elevated feeder design (replicated from previous work) made leaf access harder. Nonetheless, we highlight that some goats actively used the elevated feeder; this coupled with the clear preference for leaves over grass, suggests that offering feed type and presentation diversity would allow individuals to express their natural feeding behavior more fully.

Feeding Preferences of Domestic and Wild Ungulates for Forage Trees in the Dry Tropics

Silvopastoralism based on livestock feeding on forage trees is becoming a sustainable alternative to traditional grazing on the open pastures of dry tropical Central America. Four autochthonous trees, Acacia pennatula, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Gliricidia sepium and Guazuma ulmifolia, and one exotic (Moringa oleifera) tree are the preferred species for these silvopastoral systems. Little is known, however, about the feeding preferences of cattle, sheep and goats for such fodder trees and whether wild ungulates (white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus) feed on these plants. In this work, we conducted several multiple-choice feeding preference tests (cafeteria test) to compare the best choice to feed cattle, sheep, goats and white-tailed deer in these farming systems. Although all ruminant species included the four autochthonous trees and the exotic M. oleifera in their diets, G. ulmifolia was the preferred forage tree by far. The preference for the rest of the trees varied among our ruminant species. When M. oleifera was added to the cafeteria test, it was well accepted by white-tailed deer but little appreciated by their domestic counterparts. The use of these forage trees for livestock feeding is thus interesting not only for sustainable animal production but also to support wild herbivores in the dry tropics of Central America.

Changes on the Climatic Edge: Adaptation of and Challenges to Pastoralism in Montesinho (Northern Portugal)

Mountain areas are sensitive to changes in precipitation and temperature, which significantly impact traditional pastoralist communities, their economy, and their lifestyle. Alarming climate change scenarios justify the investigation of the ecological and socioeconomic vulnerabilities that characterize Portugal's mountain regions. This work explores how the traditional production systems of small ruminants—sheep and goats—could adapt in the Montesinho mountain range as it changes over the next 2 decades. Land use–land cover maps from 1995 and 2018 show how the pastoral landscape has changed and indicate trends for a future scenario. Documented landscape grazing patterns are used to determine sheep and goat landscape preferences under different climatic conditions. Finally, we identify the near-future constraints on traditional sheep and goat systems, contrasting landscape changes with sheep and goat preferences. Over coming decades, the balance between rangelands and cultivated lands will persist in the Montesinho mountain landscape, despite some trade-offs between both. Woodlands could emerge from scrublands colonizing rangelands, and permanent crops could significantly replace arable lands in agricultural areas. Therefore, it is likely that the agricultural areas preferred for sheep, and rangelands preferred for goats, may not be affected by the forecast landscape changes, but rather be favored by the expansion of permanent crops. However, pasture areas must expand, as they are key to pastoral landscape function in a warming climate scenario. Landscape decision makers and managers should implement a landscape-monitoring system to inform policies and strategies aimed at protecting and safeguarding mountain pastoralism and its vital ecosystem services.

Effects of Replacing Grass with Foliage on Growth Rate and Feed Intake in Goats-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Simple SummaryGoats are important as food sources and livelihood in several areas of the world, mainly in low-income countries. Free-range browsing is common, but to increase productivity and improve health, supplemental or complete feeding is increasing. Ruminant feeding has often been using grasses, but as goats are browsers, they may benefit from including foliage in the diet. This systematic review and meta-analysis focuses on the effect of including foliage in goat diets. The results show that foliage was often more nutrient-rich and increased dry matter intake as well as average daily weight gain in goats.Small ruminants such as goats have a higher preference for browse species than cattle and sheep. In a meta-analysis of 42 papers describing 117 experimental treatments found by a search performed in June 2021 in PubMed and Web of Knowledge, we examined the general effect of including foliage in the diet of goats, replacing grasses, on dry matter intake and average daily weight gain. The inclusion requirement for a paper was that it described a controlled trial with a control diet of grass and with grass replaced by foliage in the experimental diet. Publication bias was estimated by calculating the Fail-safe n. Random effects analyses were conducted, using effect size calculated as Hedges’ d. The results showed that inclusion of foliage increased feed intake (Hedges’ d = 1.350, SE = 0.388) and average daily weight gain (Hedges’ d = 1.417, SE = 0.444) compared with a grass-based control. The positive effect of foliage inclusion on dry matter intake was associated with lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and higher crude protein (CP) in the foliage than in the grass it replaced. The positive effect on average daily weight gain was associated with higher CP concentration in the foliage than in grass. Foliage inclusion level showed a quadratic relationship with dry matter intake, with maximum dry matter intake achieved at a level of 50–60%. There was wide variation between the studies reviewed, and this variation was not reduced by subgroup analysis based on different kinds of foliage. In conclusion, the addition of foliage to goat diets can increase feed intake and daily weight gain, as an effect of the dietary preferences of goats and of generally higher nutritional value in foliage species compared with natural/semi-natural grass species.

Effects of Diet Selection by Goats Grazing on the Vegetation of a Protected Pine Forest in Doñana Natural Park (SW Spain)

We investigated the relationship between feeding selection by goats and changes in plant species abundance in the shrubland of a pine forest in Doñana Natural Park along three years. The abundance of the shrub species was measured using the point-intercept method. Goat preferences for shrub species were determined through direct observation. Goats showed selective feeding, since their browsing behavior was not related to species abundance. Myrtus communis was the overall preferred species (almost half of the bites belonged to this species, despite its low abundance) throughout the monitored years and seasons. Half of the species were selected some years while discarded others; two species were never grazed (Daphne gnidium and Thymus mastichina) and nine others were always ingested below their abundance. Within a year, species were consumed in certain seasons but not in others. The detected changes in species abundance were not related to the feeding preferences of the goats. The influence that grazing selectivity exerts on vegetation composition and abundance has long been recognized, but our study suggests that the mechanical effect of grazing herbivores on vegetation (pawing, scratching, and lying) may portrait a more important role than attributed to date.

Dominance hierarchy, milking order, and neighbour preference in domestic goats

The social behaviour of farm animals is capable of influencing their welfare and production results (e.g. milk yield), and thus is very important, both for animals and farmers. The aim of the present study was to investigate dominance hierarchy, milking order, and neighbour preference in domestic goats. Animals were kept under semi-extensive management. In total, 72 milked goats (Saanen goat × German Improved Fawn) were observed for 150 h. A number of agonistic and affiliative behaviours were observed. Larger animals (in terms of height) and animals with longer horns were more aggressive, but also initiated and received more affiliative behaviours. Age and horn length were the most important factors influencing social position; older animals with long horns were high in the dominance hierarchy. Milking order was not significantly correlated with social position. We found that some goats preferred certain neighbours during rest periods (the goats would lie down together), choosing animals characterised by similar age, aggression level, and social position. Additionally, we found that the occurrence of some behaviours varied depending on location, e.g. goats exhibited affiliative behaviour mainly in the goat house.

Preference of fresh and stored Ceriporiopsis subvermispora and Lentinula edodes treated wheat straw by goats

The successful application of fungal treated lignocellulosic biomass as an animal feed ingredient depends on its acceptance by animals. The objective of this study was to test the preference of fresh and stored fungal treated wheat straw (WS) by non-lactating Saanen goats. Three studies were conducted. Wheat straw was aerobically treated with Ceriporiopsis subvermispora (CS) and Lentinula edodes (LE) for 7 weeks before being stored at -20°C (fresh CS [CSf], fresh LE [LEf]) until use. The CSf and LEf were also anaerobically stored at 54°C (stored CS [CSs], stored LE [LEs]) for 7 weeks before being frozen at -20°C until use. In study 1, preference for individual feedstuffs was tested and included grass silage (GS), maize silage (MS), CSf, LEf and WS. Goats showed a strong preference for GS and were more reluctant to consume MS. Minor amounts of CSf, LEf and WS were consumed even when the preference time was extended to 2 h. Study 2 compared the preference of CSf, LEf and WS when included at 50% (as is basis) in a GS/MS based feed over 6 days. Goats had a higher (P < 0.05) intake rate of the CSf and LEf than the WS containing feed, with no significant difference observed between CSf and LEf. In study 3, the preference of goats between diets containing (50% as is basis) fresh and stored fungal treated WS was investigated. In an identical study design to study 2, the goats showed a higher intake rate for the CSs and LEs containing feeds. Wheat straw treated with C. subvermispora and L. edodes were significantly less preferred to GS and MS. This feeding study showed that fungal treated WS can be used as a major part in a diet for goat and the storage increases its palatability.

Preference of Boer goats for Namibian native forage legumes and Lucerne (Medicago sativa)

The objective of this study was to determine the relative palatability of four native forage legumes (Otoptera burchellii, Crotalaria argyraea, Crotalaria podocarpa and Vigna lobatifolia) in comparison with each other and with Lucerne (Medicago sativa). Eight weaned Boer goats aged 6 months and weighing 25.2 ± 4.9 kg were grouped by sex, and then randomly allocated to individual pens. Goats were simultaneously offered 100 g of each of the four native legumes and 600 g of M. sativa (as-is basis) over a 10-day period. Grass hay (Cenchrus ciliaris), fresh water and mineralised salt licks were available at all times. Grass hay was given to allow diet mixing and possibly ameliorate any undesirable effects, such as bloat, due to feeding on legumes alone. The percentage of each species consumed of that offered was associated (P &amp;lt; 0.001) with legume species, day and legume × day interaction. Over 95% of the O. burchellii, V. lobatifolia and Lucerne offered were consumed from Days 1 to 10. The amounts of Crotalaria spp. consumed fluctuated widely in the first 4 days, but increased thereafter to &amp;gt;95% of that offered. This study demonstrated that hay of all the four native forage legume hays were palatable to Boer goats, with the inferred ranking being: (Lucerne, V. lobatifolia) &amp;gt; O. burchellii &amp;gt; Crotalaria spp. Further studies are required to investigate the productivity of goats feeding on these native forage legumes, which have potential for use in marginal lands.

Husbandry, Productivity and Producers Trait Preference of Goats in North Western Lowlands of Ethiopia

A survey was conducted in Agalo Meti, Bambasi and Mandura districts of Kamashi, Assosa and Metekel zones of Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, respectively. The aim of the study was to assess production characteristics, productive performances and producer’s traits preference of goats. A total of 177 households who have goat flock and experience in goat production were purposively selected. Data was collected through respondent interviews using structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field visit. Data was analyzed using SPSS software and reported using descriptive statistics. Indices were used to present ranking. Farming is characterized by mixed-crop livestock production system and livestock are kept under traditional extensive management system. Greater number of goats than other livestock species were owned in the area. The indigenous goats reared in the area include Arab, Felata and Gumuz. The mean goat flock size per household was 9.81 ± 1.08, 8.31 ± 1.16 and 8.71 ± 0.88 in Agalo Meti, Bambasi and Mandura district, respectively. Goats were primarily kept for generating income (indices = 0.43), followed by saving/insurance (0.34), and meat for home consumption (0.18). About 58% of the producers sell goat skins, whereas (42%) did not-sold through the formal market chain. Natural pasture and indigenous browse species were the major feed resources. About 89.3% of the respondents housed their goats in a well-shaded separately constructed house. The herding practices of goats include: free-roaming all year round (67.8%) and restricted herding (32.2%) during the cropping season. The major constraints for goat production were infectious and parasitic diseases (0.45), inadequate veterinary services (0.39), predators (0.091), marketing problem (0.03) and poor management (0.01). Arab, Felata, and Gumuz goats give first birth at the age of 13.65 ± 0.40, 12.90 ± 0.29 and 12.54 ± 0.43 months, kidded at every 8.52 ± 0.41, 7.85 ± 0.25 and 7.67 ± 0.22 months and produce 0.52 ± 0.03, 0.61 ± 0.02, and 0.51 ± 0.01 liter of milk, respectively. Uncontrolled natural mating is the dominant breeding system, and bucks and does run together throughout the year. Size, growth rate, body conformation and age were the preferred traits in selecting bucks, whereas does were selected based on size, multiple birth, milk yield and kidding interval. Therefore, in order to utilize the current growing demand for goat meat at local and international markets, improving the production environment, particularly health and nutrition, genetic and production technologies is necessary.

Ingestive behavior and feeding preference of goats reared in degraded caatinga

Abstract This study aimed to assess the ingestive behavior and feeding preference of goats reared in degraded Caatinga (dry tropical forest) during three seasons: transition (rainy-dry), dry, and rainy seasons. The experiment was carried out at the UFPB Experimental Station in São João do Cariri, PB, Brazil. Six male goats kept on pasture with an area of 3.2 hectares were used. The animals were assessed through continuous visual observation. The experimental design was completely randomized, with three treatments (rainy-dry, dry, and rainy seasons) and six replications (animals). Means were submitted to the Tukey test at a 5% level. The time www.revistas.ufq.br/vet spent by animals during the transition season (rainy-dry) had to cite in the article page. similarities for the selected grasses, herbaceous/sub-shrub plants, litter, and shrub/ tree plants, except for bromeliads and cacti. The animals spent longer grazing time consuming grasses at the rainy season. During this season, marmeleiro (Croton hemiargyreus Mill. Arg.) was the most selected species in relation to catingueira (Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul.) and pereiro (Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart.). The time spent for grazing activity during the transition season (rainy-dry) was longer than the rainy and dry season. Goats reared extensively in the Caatinga have high plasticity in their eating habits and can behave as grazing or browsing animals.

Volatiles and Tannins in Pistacia lentiscus and Their Role in Browsing Behavior of Goats (Capra hircus).

Goat herding is an important tool in the ecologically sound management of Mediterranean shrublands and woodlands, although effective levels of woody biomass removal by the goats is neither guaranteed nor easy to predict. Preliminary observations indicated that one reason for this may be poor understanding of plant-herbivore interactions that operate intraspecifically at the local spatial scale. We asked, whether goats show intraspecific preferences among neighboring plants when foraging a small local population of Pistacia lentiscus, a dominant tall shrub. First, we characterized and quantified the profile of stored and emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the PEG-binding capacity of tannins (a proxy for protein binding capacity) in the foliage of P. lentiscus shrubs, sampled within an area of 0.9ha. We then tested goat preference between pairs of these shrubs that differed in chemical composition. Almost all sampled P. lentiscus shrubs were allocated to one of two distinct VOC chemotypes: one dominated by germacrene D and limonene (designated chemotype L) and the other by germacrene D and α-pinene (chemotype P). In contrast, continuous moderate variability was found in the binding capacity of tannins in the foliage. Goats showed preference for shrubs of chemotype L over those of chemotype P, and their preference was negatively correlated with the binding capacity of tannins. Possible influences of VOCs on goat preference that may explain the observed patterns are discussed in the light of possible context-dependent interpretation of plant VOC signals by large mammalian herbivores.

Effects of ethyl ester supplementation to forage on short-term dry matter intake and preference by goats

ABSTRACTIn whole-crop maize silages with atypical smell and decreased acceptance by ruminants, high concentrations of the volatile organic compounds ethyl acetate (EA) and ethyl lactate (EL) were detected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different concentrations of ethyl esters added to forage on preference and short-term feed intake of goats. In the first of three trials, whole-crop maize silage was supplemented with different concentrations of EA and EL and then vacuum-stored before use. Forages sampled during the preference trial showed a good recovery of EL with a high accordance of target (naturally formed + supplemented) and analysed concentrations. Supplemented EA was not recovered, making transient storage of substrates before use in feeding trials equivocal. However, four treatments with different concentrations of EL (approximately 330, 560, 920 and 1300 mg/kg dry matter (DM)) were used for the preference trial. In Trials 2 and 3, EA and EL (with and without ethanol, respectively) were added to grass hay directly before offering the feed, each in concentrations of 0, 600 and 1200 mg/kg DM to have six treatments each. In all trials, each possible combination of treatments was offered to Saanen-type wethers (n = 10, Trial 1; n = 5, Trials 2 and 3) as free choice in preference trials. In Trial 1, there was only a weak impact of EL on preference behaviour as goats avoided medium EL concentrations, but did not avoid silages with higher concentrations. In Trials 2 and 3, there was no influence of added volatiles on short-term DM intake and preference at all. It can be concluded that it is unlikely that ethyl esters as single substance or in combination with ethanol affect preference behaviour and feed intake of ruminants. Possibly a combination or still unidentified fermentation products cause avoidance instead of a single compound.

Relationships among nutritive value of selected forages, diet composition and milk quality in goats grazing in a Mediterranean woody rangeland

Woody rangelands are important forage resources for grazing goats in the Mediterranean basin. Goats are well adapted in these heterogeneous and complex ecosystems due to their particular anatomic characteristics, metabolic efficiency and browsing ability. However, the mechanism of grazing behavior and forage selection in goats is quite complex and depends on several factors. The present study deals with the seasonal changes of chemical composition in the selected forages and ingested diets as well as their effects on milk yield and composition of goats grazing in a Mediterranean woody rangeland. Hand plucked forage samples similar to those consumed by the goats were collected for chemical analysis. The nutritive value of consumed forages, in combination with the different feeding and grazing system per trial period, influenced milk quality and performance. The replacement of feed supplementation with an increase of the contribution of grazing in the rangeland could maintain the milk yield and quality at the late stage of lactation. In addition, this paper focuses on the influence of the chemical composition of selected forages on the diet selection of goats using a modeling approach. The model showed a high interpretative accuracy and explanatory value (R2 = 0.923) and was able to distinguish the goats' most important criteria for selecting among the forage plant species in relation to several factors. The results indicate that the dietary preferences of goats were influenced, not only by the seasonality of nutritive value and availability of forages in the rangeland, but also by the plant origin of each nutrient source. The selection of Quercus frainetto was highly correlated with its NDF content. Herbaceous species, Cistus creticus and other woody species were mainly selected due to their CP content. The ADL content seemed to have the lowest influence of all nutritive variables on the selection among groups of plant species. The modeling approach, apart from the understanding of grazing behavior of goats, offers additional information that can be useful to the shepherds in order to manage more effectively the feeding and grazing system of their goat's flock.

Dairy goats prefer to use different flooring types to perform different behaviours

Flooring is an important component of indoor housing systems for livestock as it can impact animal hygiene and welfare. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the lying and elimination preferences of goats, as well as their relative udder cleanliness, when presented with four different flooring types. At 8 months of age, 32 non-lactating female Saanen cross does (45.4±6.10kg) were restricted to one of four different flooring types for 10days (2.9m2/goat), then restricted to the other three surfaces (10days per surface) using a Latin square design (n=8 replicates, 4 goats/replicate). The four flooring types included wood shavings (WS), metal mesh (MM), plastic slats (PS) and rubber matting (RM). After the restriction period, goats were given free access to all four flooring types simultaneously for 48h. Lying behaviour was recorded using accelerometers. In addition, lying location and elimination (urination and defecation) behaviour were recorded from video for 24h at the end of the free access period. To assess cleanliness, Escherichia coli (E. coli) counts were measured on the udder region of the goats and on each flooring type at the beginning of each restriction period. During the restriction period there was no difference in the time goats spent lying on any of the four flooring surfaces; however, goats on WS performed more lying bouts (P≤0.005) of shorter duration (P≤0.005) compared to goats on RM during day 2, 3, 4 and 5. During the free access period, goats spent more time on RM and PS and less time on MM and WS (% observations/24h: RM: 46.3, PS: 30.4, MM: 11.6, WS: 11.5, SED: 6.19, P<0.001). Moreover, goats preferred to urinate (% urination events/24h: WS: 88.8, MM: 3.8, PS: 4.7, RM: 2.7, SED: 2.48, P<0.001) and defecate (% defecation events/24h: WS: 48.3, MM: 11.3, PS: 19.5, RM: 20.9, SED: 3.21, P<0.001) on WS. The number of E. coli recovered from the udder was affected by flooring type (P<0.001) with the highest numbers recovered while goats were restricted on WS. These results suggest that goats prefer to use different flooring types depending on the behaviour they are preforming. Providing goats with multiple flooring options may better meet their needs in commercial systems, however further investigation into practical implementation of such designs are needed.

Ensiled sugar beets as dietary component and their effect on preference and dry matter intake by goats

ABSTRACTThis study examines the influence of ensiled sugar beets (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris) on preference and short-time dry matter (DM) intake of goats. Whole sugar beets were ensiled either without any silage additive (sugar beet silage (SBS)) or with a chemical additive (6 l/t) containing 85% formic and propionic acids (treated sugar beet silage (TBS)) and were chopped after ensiling. The influence of different proportions of SBS (0%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 18.75% and 25% of dietary DM) and TBS (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of DM) in partial mixed rations on short-time DM intake by goats (adult Saanen type wethers; n = 10) was studied in two separate, independent trials. Preference behaviour was investigated by offering the goats two different experimental diets per day and offer each possible combination of them (n = 10) once throughout the trial. On this basis, the mean DM intake (within 30 min and 3 h) of each experimental diet was determined. Both sugar beet silages showed good fermentation quality with low pH. By using the chemical silage additive, the production of ethanol was reduced and considerable amounts of sugar were preserved. In the short-term preference experiment, increasing concentrations of sugar beet silage in the ration increased DM intake (p < 0.05) in a linear way with a strong preference for those diets containing high amounts of sugar beet silage. Initial DM intake after 30 min was 4–5 fold increased for diets containing the highest beet concentration. It is assumed that the preference was positively influenced by sugar and sweet taste or the associated higher concentration of metabolisable energy.

Preference of goats (Capra hircus L.) for tanniniferous browse species available in semi-arid areas in Ethiopia.

The objectives were to determine browse species preference of goats using dry matter intake (DMI) as a proxy, to compare preference when offered in combination with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and to establish relationships between browse species intake and chemical compositional data. Air-dried leaves of Acacia etbaica, Cadaba farinosa, Capparis tomentosa, Dichrostachys cinerea, Dodonaea angustifolia, Euclea racemosa, Maerua angolensis, Maytenus senegalensis, Rhus natalensis and Senna singueana were used. Two cafeteria trials, each lasting 10days, were conducted using four local mature male goats of 2-2.5years receiving a daily ration of grass hay (4% of body weight) and 200g wheat bran. In trial 1, goats were offered 25g of each browse species for a total of 30min with intake, time spent on consumption and the number of visits to specific browse species recorded at 10-min intervals. In trial 2, the same procedure was followed except that 25g of PEG 4000 was added to the daily wheat bran ration. Crude protein and neutral detergent fibre in browse species ranged from 69.0-245.5 to 159.8-560.6g/kg dry matter (DM) respectively. Total phenols and total tannins contents ranged between 3.7-70.6 and 2.5-68.1mg tannic acid equivalent/g DM, respectively, and condensed tannins 1.7-18.4 Abs550nm /g DM. Preference indicators measured in the first 10min of browse species intake differed significantly among browse species and with PEG (p<0.0001). Principal components explained 69.9% of the total variation in browse species DMI. Despite the high tannin levels, D.cinerea, R.natalensis and A.etbaica were the most preferred species regardless of PEG presence. Tannin levels at the observed browse species DMI did not determine preference, instead, preference appeared to be based on hemicellulose. Determining browse species preference is essential to exploit them to improve nutrient utilization and control parasites in goats.

A modeling approach for estimating seasonal dietary preferences of goats in a Mediterranean Quercus frainetto–Juniperus oxycedrus woodland

Goats are characterized as selective feeders due to their specific feeding behavior, thus the study of their seasonal preferences in a Mediterranean oak-juniper ecosystem is of great interest. The current research was conducted in an open oak forest in Megalo Dereio region, northeastern Greece which was grazed mainly by a flock of 650 local breed goats. Grazing behavior data as the number of bites per plant species were recorded using a direct observation method in late spring (May), middle of summer (July) and late autumn (November) of 2010 and 2011. Additionally, a modeling approach was followed in order to study the factors influencing the dietary preferences of goats. Inference – by adopting the Bayesian paradigm – was based on the best multinomial response logistic regression model, selected by the suitable model assessment criteria. According to the results, seasonal and yearly effects were both important in explaining the grazing behavior of goats, with season being the dominant factor. The model’s estimation accuracy was additionally assessed by the comparison of the calculated model-based dietary preferences with the corresponding observed values. The model could be a useful tool to estimate the seasonal changes of dietary preferences of grazing goats.