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

¹FARRUKH HUSSAIN AND MUFAKHIRAH JAN DURRANI²

Abstract: Harboi rangeland Kalat, Pakistan, covering an area of 22351 ha, lies between 29^o N and 66^o, 45 to 67^oE. 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, 27% shrubs, 12% grasses and 1% tree species. Sheep consumed 98 species that included 54% herbs, 22% shrubs, 23% grasses and 1% tree species. The percentage availability of palatable species declined after October due to cold dormant season and this is the part of the year where livestock suffer the most. At this stage animal are compelled to utilize even non-palatable forage. Further study is needed to evaluate the nutritional and mineral status of some of the important plants. The rangeland has the potential for improvement provided proper ecological management practices and local participation of the community is involved.

¹Department of Botany, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan

²Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan