Shrub yield and forage quality in Mediterranean shrublands of West Turkey for a period of one year

Abstract

Shrublands are important habitats for ruminants in the Mediterranean area. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shrub yield, quality (between November 2006-November 2007) and preferences of goats for the six shrubs (Quercus coccifera L., Phillyrea latifolia L., Juniperus oxycedrus, Cistus creticus L., Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach and Thymus longicaulis C. Presl.) of Mediterranean shrublands in Turkey. In the shrubland the highest yield was obtained from kermes oak and prickly juniper. Yield in May was higher than that of in October. Dry matter (DM), Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were low and Crude protein (CP), Dry matter digestibility (DMD), ME, P, and Ca were high during the spring in the kermes oak, thyme and mock privet. Reverse situation was observed during the summer and winter months. Changes in the prickly juniper, pink rockrose and prickly burnet were not stable. When production and nutritive values of the shrubs were considered, goats showed deficiency in CP and ME throughout the year except in the spring. P and Ca were found sufficient. As a conclusion, in Mediterranean shrublands, goats should be fed with supplementary energy feed throughout the year except for spring months, and with CP during summer months in order to obtain satisfactory productivity.