Forage Availability and Quality, and Feeding Behaviour of Indigenous Goats Grazing in a Mediterranean Silvopastoral System

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feeding behaviour indigenous goats and selection drivers different plant species in a Mediterranean forest rangeland. To achieve goal, seasonal variations terms forage availability quality ingested were studied during three grazing seasons. In same period, eight Beni Arouss breed selected explore changes their browsing behaviour. Forage determined by hand-plucking technique. results showed wide variation quality, Woody more independently season (p < 0.001). crude protein content varied from 53.3 g/kg dry mater (DM) for Erica arborea summer 197 DM Calicotome villosa autumn Despite high condensed tannins shrubs, they highly consumed. vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) metabolizable energy (ME) had recorded highest contents herbaceous spring. Shrubs trees contain lowest levels IVOMD (<500 g/kg) ME (<7.2 MJ/kg) summer. It is concluded that did not necessarily affect goats’ preference. These findings could help goat herders develop systems while increasing performance silvopastoral system.