Effect of Achillea Millefolium L. and Matricaria Chamomilla L. on consumption of Juniperus Oxycedrus L. and J. Phoenicea L. by Goats

Abstract

Reduction in herbage production and plant diversity on rangelands on the coastal part of Croatia, due to invasion of terpene-rich shrubs has been recorded during the recent period. Therefore, there is a strong need to understand ecological relationships between plant and animal components of these shrubby ecosystems. Through four consecutive experiments, we investigated the potential of two well-known medicinal herbs, Achillea millefolium L. (yarrow) and Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile), as a feed supplement to increase intake of two terpenoid shrubs, Juniperus oxycedrus and J. phoenicea, by goats. Preliminary research indicated that both yarrow and chamomile had a positive influence on the intake of J. phoenicea by goats, but not on the consumption of J. oxycedrus. Our model could be implemented in the field as an approach to reduce the abundance of J. phoenicea in the environment and to improve the quality of herbage (grasses and forbs) on Mediterranean pastures.