SEASONAL AVAILABILITY, PALATABILITY AND ANIMAL PREFERENCES OF FORAGE PLANTS IN HARBOI ARID RANGE LAND, KALAT, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Harboi rangeland Kalat, Pakistan, covering an area of 22351 ha, lies between 29o N and 66o, 45 to 67oE. The altitude varies from 2900 to 3300 m with dry temperate climate. The active growing season lasts from April to October with seasonal and annual variation in rainfall and temperature. The precipitation is mostly received during winter from western depression. The area receives regular snowfall during winter. A study was conducted for two consecutive years to assess the seasonal availability, palatability and animal preferences of forage plants. It was observed that the seasonal availability of forage, palatability and preferences of goats and sheep varied in their botanical composition throughout the growing season. There were 129 palatable species including 50.4% (65 species) highly palatable, 41.1% (53 species) mostly palatable, 4.65% (6 species) less palatable and 3.87% (5 species) rarely palatable species in the area. It was found that in 99 species (63%) shoots/whole plants were used; in 30 species (19%) foliage/leaves were used while in 29 species (18%) floral parts were consumed. Goats browsed on 104 species including 60% herbs