Sheep Preference for Branches of Fruit-Bearing Trees

Abstract

Growing-finishing sheep preference for certain species of fruit-bearing trees, i.e., Citrus paradisi; Citrus sinensis, L; Mangifera indica, L; Psidium guajava, L, and Cocus nucifera was assessed. A completely randomized experimental design comprising five treatments (fruit-bearing species) and six experimental units (two sheep each ad libitum fed with fastened together branches from the fruit-bearing species) was applied. Average consumption value of each forage by each animal pair was determined. Based on these values, a preference index was estimated, i.e., the rate of each fruit-bearing species consumed out of the total intake. The preference index for M. indica branches was highly significant (P<0,001) compared to the other fruit-bearing species; the second place of preference was shared by C. paradisi and C sinensis branches which showed very similar values; the third place was for P.guajava branches, while C. nucifera branches were less preferred. Therefore, a stable preference pattern was evident. Control upon sheep browsing on these fruit-bearing species is recommended to protect these crops, though caution concerning C,nucifera is practically unnecessary.