Using Experience and Supplementation to Increase Juniper Consumption by Three Different Breeds of Sheep |
| |
| Authors: | Jess R. Anderson Cody B. Scott Charles A. Taylor Corey J. Owens James R. Jackson Diana K. Steele Richard Brantley |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. Former Graduate Assistants, Department of Agriculture, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX 76909, USA.;2. Professor, Department of Agriculture, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX 76909, USA.;3. Supervisor, Texas AgriLife Experiment Station, Sonora, TX 76950, USA.;4. Research Associate, Department of Agriculture, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX 76909, USA.;5. Director of Surface Interests, University Lands, Midland, TX 79705, USA.;1. Research Scientist, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA;2. Professor, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA;3. Research Associate, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA;1. Professor, Departamento de Ecología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.;2. Associate Professor, Departamento de Ecología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.;3. Professor, Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Alcalá, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.;1. Professor, Texas AgriLife Research, Vernon, TX 76385, USA;2. Associate Research Scientist, Texas AgriLife Research, Vernon, TX 76385, USA;3. Research Technician, Texas AgriLife Research, Vernon, TX 76385, USA;4. Assistant Professor, Texas AgriLife Research, Vernon, TX 76385, USA |
| |
| Abstract: | In the southwestern United States, redberry (Juniperus pinchotii Sudw.) and ashe (Juniperus ashei Buchholz) juniper are two invasive species that dominate some rangelands. Goats will consume up to 30% of their diet in juniper, but it is unknown if sheep will accept juniper to the same extent. The objectives of this study were to determine if sheep can be conditioned to consume juniper and to compare intake among different breeds. Rambouillet (n = 10), Suffolk (n = 10), and Dorper-cross (n = 10) lambs were randomly placed in individual pens for 31 d. A basal diet of alfalfa pellets (2.5% body weight [BW]) and juniper were fed. Juniper was fed each morning from 0800 to 0830 hours. The basal diet was fed for the remainder of the day. Intake of each was measured daily. Following the first 17 d, the basal diet was reduced to 2% BW for 7 d and then reduced to 1.5% BW for the final 7 d. Serum aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and bilirubin levels, and live body weight were measured to assess any adverse physiological effects from juniper consumption. In a second trial, lambs were again fed alfalfa (2.5% BW) and juniper. One half of the lambs were also fed a 36% protein supplement to determine if supplementation with protein sources that escape rumen degradation would improve juniper consumption. Lambs received alfalfa, juniper, and protein supplement for 22 d with intake of each recorded daily. Intake of juniper was similar (P > 0.05) among breeds of sheep. Lambs readily consumed juniper and increased (P < 0.05) intake of juniper as the amount of alfalfa fed was reduced. Weight change was also similar among treatments. Protein supplementation did not improve juniper consumption. We contend that sheep will consume a diet consisting of 24% juniper without experiencing any adverse effects. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
| 本文献已被 ScienceDirect 等数据库收录！ |
|
