Identification and nutrients composition of different rangeland species (grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees) grazed by small and large ruminants in Balochistan: Kharan region

Abstract

This study was comprised of two major parts. The first part was consisted of collection of local information about livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo, camels) and their feeding practices from farmers (n=30) of two sub regions (Jodahay Kalat and Tomulk). Results showed that among all livestock species, there were more heads of sheep (37.57%) and the most preferred feeding practice was use of grazing only (43.33%). In second part, samples (n=45) of thirteen different rangeland species (Koelpinia Linearis Pallas, Euphorbia Falcata, Tribulus Pentandrus, Launaea Glomerata, Cardaría draba, Rostraria cristate, Cenchrus Ciliaris, Isatis stocksii boiss, Melva Neglecta wallr, Atriplex Dimorposregium, Polypogon monspeliensis, Tamarix Articulata Vahl, Salsola Arbuscula Pallas) grazed by small and large ruminants were collected. Results showed that CP contents as percent of dry matter were maximum (P<0.05) in Salsola arbuscula Pallas (30.60±5.19) and minimum (P<0.05) in Melva neglecta wallr (10.22±3.18). The maximum (P<0.05) EE contents (%) were found in Koelpinia linearis Pallas (3.87±1.11) whilst Melva neglecta wallr showed least (P<0.05, 1.50±0.33) EE contents. The NDF and ADF contents were highest (P<0.05) in Salsola arbuscula Pallas (59.33±3.30) and Salsola Arbuscula Pallas (42.19±6.11), respectively. The maximum OM contents were recorded in Cardaria draba (98.20±2.98) and Atriplex dimorposregium (97.38±1.61) whilst the highest SC (P<0.05) contents recorded in Tribulus pentandrus (70.11±7.88). It was concluded that rangeland plant species significantly varied in chemical composition, therefore feeding strategy for small and large ruminants may be designed according to nutritional status of available grazing during different seasons of the year.