An Investigation of Range Plants' Palatability and Goat Behavior in Posht-kooh Rangelands, Yazd Province

In range management, an investigation of the range land plants' preference values is essential, since
available forage in every site is dependent on their preference values. Yazdian goat behavior in the Nir
Research Station in Posht-kooh steppic ranges was studied for two consequtive years (2000-2001). In
this study, six goats were made to grazed in a moderate intensity and rotational grazing system. The
goats were kept, for 15 days, within every of the 3 partial blocks. Preference values of range plants
were recorded by Feeding Minutes Method, two times during the 15 days. Data related to every
grazing period as well as whole grazing season were analyzed by using a randomized complete block
design and a split plot (in time) design respectively. The results show preference values for every
species in every grazing period to be significantly differen (P<0.01). During the whole grazing seasons
(2000-2001) preference values differences for every species were observed to be significant (P<0.01).
In a very dry year (2000) Stipa barbata, Salsola rigida and Artemisia sieberi exhibited the most
preference value respectively . During 2001, with more precipitation the annual plants, Salsola rigida,
Stipa barbata and Artemisia sieberi were of the most preference value respectively. Yazdi goat spent
90% of grazing time on indicator species (Salsola rigida, Artemisia sieberi, and Stipa barbata) and on
three accompanying species (Noaea mucronata, Scariola orientalis and Launaea acanthodes) as well
as on total annual plants, According to these results, this animal is not a pure browser.