Feed resource selection by Criollo goats browsing a tropical deciduous forest

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (12) ◽  
pp. 2314 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Ventura-Cordero ◽  
P. G. González-Pech ◽  
C. A. Sandoval-Castro ◽  
J. F. J. Torres-Acosta ◽  
J. Tun-Garrido
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Tropical Deciduous Forest ◽  
Monitoring Method ◽  
Biomass Availability ◽  
Selection Of

Goats browsing in a tropical deciduous forest (TDF) obtain a large proportion of their diet from a large number of plant species. Nevertheless, the goat’s feed resource selection has not been studied in such an ecosystem. This study aimed to determine whether goats browsing in a TDF display active feed resource selection. Two browsing sites were used (A = 2.2 ha and B = 2.6 ha). The effective availability (g) of all plant species available was measured for each site using 10 m × 20 m exclusion quadrants. Three non-pregnant adult goats (34.9 ± 2.4 kg liveweight) with browsing experience were observed using the continuous bite monitoring method to determine their respective dry matter intake. The selection of different plants was determined using the Jacobs’ selection index (JSI). The goats’ dry matter intake per day was 723 and 310.8 g for Sites A and B, respectively. At both browsing sites, the plant with the highest biomass availability was Gymnopodium floribundum (75.5% and 49.3% for Sites A and B, respectively). Nevertheless, the plant species most actively selected by goats were Eragrostis ciliaris at Site A (JSI = 0.99, P < 0.05) and Mimosa bahamensis at Site B (JSI = 0.96, P < 0.05). Some plant species were not consumed at Sites A and B (three and five species, respectively). In conclusion, feed resource selection was not associated with the biomass availability of the plants selected or refused. Goats were able to show active feed resource selection in the TDF, and this could change according to the characteristics of the browsing site.

Estimation of intake and digestibility of forage-based diets in group-fed dairy cows using alkanes as markers

1999 ◽  
Vol 133 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. UNAL ◽  
P. C. GARNSWORTHY
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Once Daily ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Filter Papers ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Basal Ration ◽  
Food Consumed

Dry matter intake is one of the major factors limiting milk production in dairy cows, although the quantity of food consumed by an individual cow when housed and fed as part of a group is rarely known. Such information would permit more precise ration formulation, concentrate allocation and selection of cows according to efficiency of milk production. Alkanes have been used with sheep and cattle to estimate feed intake under grazing conditions and could provide a technique for measuring intake in housed dairy cows. The purpose of this study was to examine alkanes C32 and C36, in combination with alkane C33, as indigestible markers for estimating intake of housed dairy cows fed on different diets under experimental and commercial conditions. Three experiments were conducted with hay-based diets (Expt 1), silage only diets (Expt 2) and a diet consisting of a silage-based basal ration plus concentrates (Expt 3). Animals were dosed once daily with C32 and C36, either on filter papers (Expts 1 and 2) or as part of a specially prepared concentrate (Expt 3). Faecal recoveries of alkanes ranged from 0·88 to 0·99. Over the range of intakes found in the three experiments (6–24 kg DM/d), the r2 values for estimated versus actual dry matter intakes ranged from 0·81 to 0·99. It is concluded that alkanes could provide a useful technique for estimating intake in dairy cows housed and fed in groups.

scholarly journals NILAI NUTRISI JENIS-JENIS TUMBUHAN PAKAN RUSA TIMOR (Cervus timorensis) DI PENANGKARAN BANGSING, PUPUAN, TABANAN, BALI

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Desak Putu Adnyani ◽  
I Ketut Ginantra ◽  
Ni Luh Suriani
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Gliricidia Sepium ◽  
Pennisetum Purpureum ◽  
P Content ◽  
Selection Of

This study aims to determine the selection of plants and nutrient content of plant species selected by Timor deer (Cervus timorensis). This research was conducted in Penangkaran Bangsing, Pupuan, Tabanan, Bali. Determination of the composition of plant species of Timor deer feed (C. timorensis) using the direct method. The species of plants eaten by Timor deer are identified to the species level. The nutrient content of crude protein is determined by Semi-micro Kjeldahl technique, energy content (GE) with Bomb calorimeter, Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorus (P) content by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (ASS) technique. Selection of the plant species eaten using the Ivlev selection index. The nutrient content of plant species is eaten compared to the standard nutrient content for timor deer. The results of the study were 13 species of selected plants, namely Impreata cylindrica, Pennisetum purpureum, Panicum ranusum, Axonopus compressus, Panicum muticum, Spilatnhes paniculata, Mikania micrantha, Gliricidia sepium, Calliandra sp, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Sechium edule, Diplazium esculentum, Pogostemon auricularia. The crude protein content ranged from 9.30 - 31.18%, GE 2.724 – 4.446 kcal / g, Ca 0.02 - 0.84%, and P 0.32 to 3.01%. The nutrient content is eaten according to nutritional standards according to Tuckwell (2003).   Keywords : timor deer (Cervus timorensis), selection of plant spesies, nutrient content

scholarly journals Hábitos alimentarios del murciélago zapotero (Artibeus jamaicensis) en Yucatán.

1999 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Jose Flores Martínez ◽  
Jorge Ortega ◽  
Guillermo Ibarra Manríquez
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Native Plants ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Tropical Deciduous Forest ◽  
Artibeus Jamaicensis ◽  
Rain Season ◽  
Anthropogenic Vegetation ◽  
In The Beginning ◽  
First Time

Resumen: Se describió el hábito alimentario del murciélago zapotero (Artibeus jamaicensis) en dos cuevas del estado de Yucatán, México, rodeadas con pequeños parches de vegetación nativa (selva baja caducifolia) y vegetación antropogénica (cultivos y huertos familiares) A pesar de los frutos de 28 especies fueron consumidos por los murciélagos, solamente cinco de ellas resultaron dominantes durante todo el año (Cecropia peltata, Solanum hirtum, Ficus spp. (dos especies) y Vitex gaumeri). Diez de las plantas consumidas por A. jamaicensis en este trabajo se reportan por primera vez en su dieta. Cerca de 12 especies fueron registradas en promedio por mes, con el valor más alto hacia finales de la época de lluvias (septiembre) y los valores más bajos cuando se inicia la temporada de menor precipitación (diciembre y enero). Las especies nativas tuvieron siempre una mayor aportación en el número y peso de semillas en la dieta de A. jamaicensis que las cultivadas (75-100% de cada mes), pero el consumo de ambos recursos muestra el oportunismo de la especie para adecuarse a hábitats perturbados.Abstract:Food preferences for the Jamaican fruit-eating bat (Artibeus jamaicensis) was documented during a year round in two caves of Yucatan, Mexico. Vegetation around the sites was classified as anthropogenic vegetation (crops and backyard house) and scarce remains of original forest (tropical deciduous forest). In spite of 28 species eaten by the Jamaican fruit-eating bat, only five comprise the bulk of the diet (Cecropia peltata, Solanum hirtum, Ficus spp. (two species), and Vitex gaumeri). Ten plant species were reported as the first time in the diet of A. jamaicensis. Around of 12 species were recording each month, with the high values at end of rain season (September) and the lower in the beginning at dry season (December and January). Fruits produced by native plants were preferred over cropped plants (75-100% of each month), but the both kinds of fruits presented in the feces demonstrate the opportunism of the species in disturbed areas.Palabras clave: Artibeus jamaicensis, hábito alimentario, Yucatán, selva baja caducifolia, vegetación secundaria, dominantes, cultivadas, no cultivadas.

Sheep and goat browsing a tropical deciduous forest during the rainy season: why does similar plant species consumption result in different nutrient intake?

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Ventura-Cordero ◽  
P. G. González-Pech ◽  
J. F. J. Torres-Acosta ◽  
C. A. Sandoval-Castro ◽  
J. Tun-Garrido
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Tropical Deciduous Forest ◽  
Sheep And Goats ◽  
Metabolisable Energy

During the rainy season, the tropical deciduous forest (TDF) supposedly represents an abundance of biomass for sheep and goats. Nevertheless, quantitative estimations of feed intake during the rainy season are lacking. This study investigated the feeding behaviour of sheep and goats in a TDF in Mexico and quantified their nutrient intake during the rainy season. Plant species (PS) consumed, size and weight of bites, and nutritional quality were determined by continuous bite monitoring through direct observation. Adult ewes (n = 3) and goats (n = 3) were observed in their grazing circuits (4 h/day) for 12 days during the rainy season. Sheep and goats consumed 61 PS and performed a similar median number of bites (1751 vs 2053 bites/day, respectively; P &gt; 0.05). Although they shared 52.5% of the PS consumed, only seven PS contributed most of the dry matter intake (DMI) for sheep (96.7%) or goats (90.5%). Sheep consumed more grass than goats (79.8% vs 48.3% of their DMI, respectively), whereas goats ate more shrubs than sheep (30.0% vs 7.6% of their DMI, respectively). The diet ingested by goats included more polyphenols (P &lt; 0.05) and a higher frequency of larger and heavier bites than sheep (P &lt; 0.05). Sheep reached 61.3% and 57.7% of their metabolisable energy and crude protein maintenance requirements. Similarly, goats covered 63.3% of their metabolisable energy and 108.2% of crude protein requirement. Although the main ration of sheep and goats was composed of similar PS, their different feeding behaviour resulted in different macronutrient consumption.

The effects, in sheep, of dietary plant species and animal live weight on the faecal recovery rates of alkanes and the accuracy of intake and diet composition estimates obtained using alkanes as faecal markers

2006 ◽  
Vol 145 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.-J LIN ◽  
H.-L. LUO ◽  
Y.-J. ZHANG ◽  
B. SHU
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Diet Composition ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Leymus Chinensis ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Component Mixture ◽  
Recovery Rates ◽  
Weight Groups

Alkanes can be used as natural markers for estimating diet composition, but a factor should be used to correct for incomplete recovery in faeces. Faecal alkane recovery rates may be influenced by diet and animal factors. However, little research has been conducted to evaluate the effects of herbage species and live weight of animals on faecal alkane recoveries. In the current study, faecal recoveries of alkanes were determined in sheep in four different live weight groups (from 20 to 40 kg) fed three plant species (Elymus sibiricum, Leymus chinensis and L. dasystachys). In a second experiment, the accuracy of intake and diet composition estimates, using alkanes as faecal markers, was assessed by feeding known amounts of the same plant species as a three-component mixture. The results showed that faecal alkane recoveries were influenced significantly by herbage species (P<0·01), but no effect of live weight of animals was observed. Total dry matter intake was estimated correctly based on either C31:C32 or C29:C32 alkane pairs. With respect to estimators of E. sibiricum intake, reasonable results could only be obtained if the faecal alkane concentration was corrected based on diet-specific faecal recovery. More accurate estimations were obtained only if the alkanes found in relatively higher concentrations were used in diet composition estimates instead of using all available alkanes. Due to lower alkane concentrations or similar alkane patterns of L. chinensis and L. dasystachys in the diet, estimates of diet composition of these two herbage species were significantly different from the actual ones (P<0·05), implying that other markers need to be used for accurate estimation.

Impact of dynamics of faecal concentrations of plant and synthetic n-alkanes on their suitability for the estimation of dry matter intake and apparent digestibility in horses

2016 ◽  
Vol 154 (7) ◽  
pp. 1291-1305 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. BACHMANN ◽  
M. WENSCH-DORENDORF ◽  
M. BULANG ◽  
A. ZEYNER
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Bolus Administration ◽  
Diurnal Patterns ◽  
Defecation Frequency ◽  
Type Rate ◽  
Experimental Trials ◽  
Faecal Concentration ◽  
Selection Of

SUMMARYIn horses, the quantity of faeces and the faecal concentrations of plant and synthetic alkanes are inconsistent throughout the day. The estimation of feed intake and digestibility can additionally be limited by irregular and incomplete faecal recovery of alkanes that are used as dietary markers. The correction of alkane concentrations minimizes the bias of estimates, but requires the determination of faeces quantity by total collection. However, in consideration of the dynamics of alkane concentrations in faeces, sampling at selected timeframes throughout a day may be useful in avoiding such correction. Five adult horses were fed a hay-based diet offered three times a day in equal amounts. Horses received a bolus with similar quantities of n-octacosane (C28), n-dotriacontane (C32) and n-hexatriacontane (C36) synthetic alkanes twice a day. Total faeces were quantified over 3 consecutive days. Dry matter intake (DMI), output (DMO) and digestibility (DMD) were determined from the total collection trial and additionally estimated for each of 12 equal timeframes throughout the day. The diurnal patterns of the single faeces quantity (SFQ) and faecal alkane concentrations were similar between horses and were repeated from day to day. The intra-day dynamic of SFQ was pronounced. The dynamic of the faecal concentration was much more pronounced when the alkane was administered twice instead of three times a day. The faecal recovery of alkanes that has been calculated from the total collection trial ranged from 82 ± 4·1% for C36 to 108 ± 11·1% for C28. Measured DMI was 12·0 kg/day, measured DMO was 5·9 kg/day and measured DMD was 0·51. Reliable estimates were obtained for DMI with 12·3 ± 0·79 kg/day for the combination of n-nonacosane (C29) and C28 and 12·1 ± 1·01 kg/day for the combination of n-tritriacontane (C33) and C28 at 2 h after administration, and 12·1 ± 0·96 kg/day for the combination of n-hentriacontane (C31) and C32 at 2 h prior to the morning meal, which included the first bolus administration. When calculated from DMO and DMD, DMI was 12·2 ± 0·89 kg/day for C29 and 12 ± 1·0 kg/day for C33 between 5 and 6 h after the morning meal. Estimates of DMD were unbiased between the 3rd and 4th hour after the morning meal with 0·52 ± 0·014 for C29 and 0·51 ± 0·021 for C33, respectively. The DMO was 5·7 ± 0·34 kg/day and 6·1 ± 0·43 kg/day when estimated 3–4 h after the 2nd meal, or prior to the 2nd bolus administration, using the product of SFQ and the daily defecation frequency or the synthetic alkanes, respectively. Knowledge of defecation dynamics might be helpful for simplifying experimental trials. They specifically followed intake dynamics, which can prospectively be used to select sampling timeframes. Based upon current results, a selection of two to three spot samples of faeces that are evenly distributed between 2 h before and 6 h after the morning meal, which was the time of bolus administration, allows for the greatest reliability. Defecation dynamics are probably less influenced by ration/bolus type, rate of exercise, or gut peristalsis, which nevertheless can result in individual shifts of optimal timeframes.

scholarly journals Differences of vegetation structure and diversity of a forest in an altitudinal gradient of the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

2018 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 598
Author(s):  
Jesús Manuel Rascón-Ayala ◽  
Eduardo Alanís-Rodríguez ◽  
Arturo Mora-Olivo ◽  
Enrique Buendía-Rodríguez ◽  
Laura Sánchez-Castillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Altitudinal Gradient ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
Tropical Deciduous Forest ◽  
Protected Natural Area ◽  
Vegetation Species

<p class="Default"><strong>Background:</strong> The Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve is located which is considered an “island of vegetation” within an arid environment. Considering that this protected natural area has an altitudinal gradient that ranges from 500 to 2,100 meters above sea level.</p><p class="Default"><strong>Hypothesis:</strong> Higher altitudinal gradient decreases abundance, basal area and diversity of plant species.</p><p class="Default"><strong>Studied species and data description:</strong> The data analyzed in this study included the structural variables of abundance (N ha<sup>-1</sup>), basal area (m<sup>2</sup> ha<sup>-1</sup>) and diversity (alfa and beta) of arborous species in areas with different elevations.</p><p class="Pa8"><strong>Study site and dates: </strong>This study was carried out in four localities of the tropical deciduous forest and broadleaved forest.<strong> </strong>In the spring of 2016.<strong></strong></p><p class="Pa8"><strong>Methods:</strong> Five circular sampling plots of 500 m<sup>2</sup> for arborous vegetation and 1m<sup>2</sup> for herbaceous vegetation were established in every vegetation community, resulting in 20 sampling plots. <strong>Results:</strong> Sixteen families, 22 genera and 22 vascular plant species were recorded. The most diverse family was Fabacea with four species followed by Cactaceae with three species. The abundance, dominance and diversity of vegetation species did not show any decrease (or increase) tendency of values as the altitudinal gradient augmented.</p><p class="Pa7"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The hypothesis is rejected because abundance, dominance and diversity of vegetation species do not show any decrease or increase tendency as the altitudinal gradient augmented. The vegetation communities showed a high similarity in the composition of species.</p>

scholarly journals Space use and resource selection of bobcats in the Appalachian Mountains of western Virginia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. McNitt ◽  
Robert S. Alonso ◽  
Michael J. Cherry ◽  
Michael L. Fies ◽  
Marcella J. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Resource Selection ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Appalachian Mountains ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Order Selection ◽  
Movement Rates ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Seasonal Shifts

ABSTRACTBobcats are an apex predator and a species of socio-cultural importance in the central Appalachian Mountains. Despite their importance, knowledge of bobcat spatial ecology in the region is sparse. We examined space use and resource selection of bobcats in the Appalachian Mountains of western Virginia during 3 biological seasons: breeding (January-March), kitten-rearing (April-September), and dispersal (October-December). We observed sex effects on all space use metrics, with male seasonal areas of use (SAU) approximately 3 times larger than female SAUs and male movement rates 1.5 times higher than females during all seasons. We found no seasonal effect on SAU size for either sex. Female movement rates increased during the kitten-rearing season, and male movement rates increased during the dispersal season. We examined seasonal bobcat resource selection at 2 hierarchical scales, selection of home ranges within the landscape (2nd order) and selection of locations within home ranges (3rd order). Female bobcats exhibited 2nd order selection for higher elevations and deciduous forest and avoidance of fields. Males exhibited 2nd order selection for higher elevations and fields. Male 2nd order selection appears to be driven largely by the spatial distribution of females, which is mediated through the valley and ridge topography of the study area. Sample size precluded 3rd order analysis for females, however males exhibited 3rd order selection for higher elevations, fields, and deciduous forest. Resource selection patterns varied seasonally for both sexes, possibly driven by seasonal shifts in prey availability. Our findings highlight the importance of forested ridges to bobcats in the region. Our findings also illustrate the differences in space use between sexes, which future research efforts should consider. Further research should investigate seasonal shifts in bobcat prey selection, which may further explain the seasonal resource selection shifts we observed, and highlight potential implications for prey species.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal variation in resource selection of servals: insights from a landscape under heavy land-use transformation

2015 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 554-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tharmalingam Ramesh ◽  
Riddhika Kalle ◽  
Colleen T. Downs
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Spatial Ecology ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Home Range Overlap ◽  
Habitat Gradient ◽  
Range Overlap ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Changes in habitat composition and structure along natural agricultural habitat gradient affect spatial ecology of carnivores at both intraspecific and interspecific levels. An important prerequisite for the conservation and management of habitat specialists is a sound understanding of how they use indigenous habitats within fragmented landscapes. We present the 1st comprehensive study on home range, overlap, and resource selection of 16 radiocollared servals ( Leptailurus serval ) in the Drakensberg Midlands, South Africa. Servals (11 males and 5 females) were livetrapped and radiotracked between May 2013 and August 2014 covering 4 seasons (winter, spring, summer, and autumn). Mean annual home range estimates (95% and 50% fixed kernel [FK], respectively) for males (38.07 km 2 ; 8.27 km 2 ) were generally larger than for females (6.22 km 2 ; 1.04 km 2 ). Although male core ranges varied slightly in spring, overall serval home ranges were stable across seasons. There was considerable intersexual home range overlap (&gt; 85%), whereas intrasexual overlap was rare (&lt; 10%). Home range size decreased with increase in age and less availability of wetland, while it increased in males at both levels (95% FK and 50% FK). For both sexes, Manley’s selection index indicated that natural habitats including wetlands and forest with bushland ranked higher than all other habitat classes. However, forested habitat was used approximately 2 times more frequently by males than females whereas cropland was avoided by both sexes. Overall, wetlands were ranked highest, followed by forest with bushland, grassland, plantations, and cropland in terms of serval resources selection. Our results emphasize that natural habitats, mainly wetlands and forests with bushland, are important predictors of spatiotemporal habitat use of servals in the agricultural mosaics of South Africa.

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