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Feeding behaviour, feed intake, chemical and botanical composition of the diet of indigenous goats raised on natural vegetation in a semi-arid region of Zimbabwe

SUMMARY The feeding behaviour of indigenous goats grazing on natural vegetation in a semi-arid region of Zimbabwe was studied over five seasons covering a period of one year (March 1989 to March 1990). The goats were randomly allocated to two groups, A and B, which grazed for 8 h (08.00–16.00 h) and 5 h (11.00–16.00 h) daily, respectively. These grazing times were based on the current practices of smallholder farmers. The botanical and chemical composition of the diet was determined by analysing samples collected from oesophageal fistulated goats. Daily feed intake was estimated by the total faecal collection method. Feed selection varied markedly with season and was similar in both groups. From January to March (wet season) grass formed 55–70% of the forage consumed, while from May to early November (dry period) browse, herbs and fruits formed 77–91% of the diet. Dietary crude protein levels ranged from 128 to 157 g/kg over the seasons. Neutral detergent fibre content ranged from 590 to 790 g/kg, and was highest in wet months and lowest in dry months. Feed intake ranged from 33 to 60 g/kg BW0·75 or 16–28 g/kg of body weight. It appeared that a feeding duration of 5 h per day was adequate for maintenance but insufficient for optimum production.