Comparative Intake and Digestibility of Forages and Byproducts by Sheep and Goats

摘要

Comparisons of intake and digestibility of various feedstuffs by goats and sheep were reviewed. From existing data, conclusions about the comparative utilization of feeds by these species are impeded by a lack of uniformity in experimental conditions. Nevertheless, a hypothesis of differential species advantage is presented which could be tested in future experiments. This hypothesis is based on evidence that species differences in intake and digestibility are relatively unimportant when the diet is relatively low in fiber concentration. On low quality, high fiber diets, sheep tend to digest the dry matter (and fiber) more completely than goats, but their voluntary intake levels tend to be lower.