The impact of grazing on forage quality of the herbaceous vegetation in the Mamora cork oak forest,Morocco |
| |
| Authors: | M Mejjati Alami TE Bedell SH Sharrow O Berkat |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Plant Ecology and Range Science , Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II., Rabat‐Instituts , B.P. 6202, Rabat, Morocco;2. Department of Rangeland Resources , Oregon State University , Oregon, United States |
| |
| Abstract: | Abstract This research was conducted in the Mamora cork oak forest of Morocco to describe the impacts of sheep grazing (no use, 35% use, 70% use) in March, April, May and June of 1987 and 1988 on seasonal changes in forage quality of the herbaceous vegetation. The study showed that trends in herbage quality were related mainly to plant maturity. As more species mature, forage quality declines and falls below animal nutritional requirements, especially for young animals. With declining forage quality, the manager has the option of moving stock to areas of less‐mature forage, supplementing the forage or modifying the demand placed upon it. |
| |
| Keywords: | Crude protein IVOMD Mediterranean‐type climate minerals time of grazing |
|
|
