Diet selection by sheep and goats in the Noorsveld

Abstract

The diet selection of Angora and Boer goats, and Dorper and Merino sheep was studied in the Noorsveld to ascertain differences in their food preferences. This information will facilitate the identification of possible goat and sheep combinations to improve the utilization of this veld type. Dorper and Merino sheep and Angora goats selected very similar diets while the diet selected by Boer goats differed by approximately 30% from those of the other animals. We therefore hypothesise that a combination of Boer goats and either Merino or Dorper sheep in the appropriate ratio could lead to the improved utilization of Noorsveld. This needs further investigation as intake of preferred plants may additionally play an important role in establishing better stock ratios.

Additional keywords:

• Grazing capacity
• palatibility
• non‐selective grazing
• selective grazing