Effects of Zinc Sulfate or Propylene Glycol on Intake Digestibility and Forage Selection by Grazing Sheep in a Semi-Arid Region During the Rainy Season

摘要

is an important biome in Brazil’s semi-arid region, it is characterized by low precipitation and great plant availability seasonality. In this context, mineral and energy supplementation may improve pasture consumption and nutrient utilization. The objective of this study was to determine intake, nutrient availability, and animal selection of major forage species by sheep supplemented with zinc sulfate or propylene glycol in -native pastures during the rainy season. Twenty-four sheep were distributed into three treatments (control, Zn, and propylene glycol supplement) in this 112-day study. There was no effect of treatments on plant selection. However, plant species selected by sheep changed over time. Generally, greater intakes were found in April compared to May. In conclusions, based on the finding of this study, Zn and PG supplementation did not improve sheep nutrient intake when grazing -native pasture in the rainy season.