dc.description.abstract | Shrubs provide the bulk of feed for goats in the Mediterranean
agropastoral farming systems, yet quantitative data on productivity and
nutritive value of highland shrubs species that is needed to develop
rangeland management strategies are limited. Edible Fodder (EF) yield
and concentrations of CP, ADF, NDF and IVOMD in the EF of shrubs were
evaluated at Saksak and Candir in Yayladagi County of Antakya on the
Anti-Taurus Mountains in Turkey. Significant variations in EF yield
(8-4003 kg DM ha(-1)), CF (5.9-23.1\%), ADF (19.9-38.4\%), NDF
(30.9-54.2\%) and IVOMD (22.7-56.7\%) were recorded among the shrubs at
Saksak. Similarly, variations in EF yield (202-1523 kg DM ha-1), CP
(5.9-13.2\%), ADF (22.8-37.7\%), NDF (38.3-53.6\%) and IVOMD
(29.3-51.4\%) were significant among the shrubs at Candir. Based on
digestible organic matter yield, the shrubs could be ranked as: Daphne
sericea>Calycotome infesta>Styrax officinalis>Cistus salviaefolius>
Rhamnus alaternus>Laurus nobilis>Juniperus oxycedrus>Quercus
coccifera>Pistacia terebentis in Saksak and Daphne sericea>Styrax
officinalis>Cistus salviaefolius>Juniperus oxycedrus>Quercus coccifera>
Pistacia terebentis in Candir. D. sericea, S. officinalis, C.
salviaefolius and C. infesta showed greater potential for development of
agroforestry technologies to increase rangeland productivity in the
Anti-Taurus Mountains region and similar highland environments in other
parts of the world. Further research on cheaper methods of
establishment, defoliation options to optimize and sustain edible fodder
and wood production, fodder quality in terms of outputs of livestock
products may be needed. | |