SAND SHINNERY OAK AS FORAGE FOR ANGORA AND SPANISH GOATS

Describes the botanical and nutritive composition of Angora and Spanish Capra hircus diets, and forage intake when grazing on Quercus havardii range in W Texas. Angora and Spanish goats consumed similar amounts of shinnery oak, grass and forbs. Their diets had similar levels of crude protein (CP), fiber, and in vitro digestibility. Consumption of oak by goats increased from 31% of diets in June to 55% in August. Dietary CP levels averaged 8.1-9.4% during summer. In vitro digestibility of diets varied from 44-53% during the summer, with lower values during July and August. Spanish goats had higher forage intakes during July and August compared to Angora goats. Digestible energy intake (Mcal/day) did not differ between breeds, but increased during the summer. Shinnery oak can contribute substantially to the nutrition of goats foraging on these ranges, but some supplemental feeding may be necessary. -from Authors