PJB-2021-565
Forage Preference by Blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra L.) and Nutritive Potential of Different Forage Species Present in Cholistan Desert
Muhammad Azeem Akhter
Abstract
A research study was led with objectives to evaluate the forage preferences by blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra L.) and nutritive potential of different forage species present in cholistan desert. We randomly selected 50 blackbucks and kept them in the enclosure. Cafeteria type trials were performed to estimate the feeding preferences. 14 forage species were selected from two sites of Cholistan desert and were divided into three categories trees (05), shrubs (04) and grasses (05). Food preference was computed by the total time spent and total number of visits on each tray. The proximate analysis was performed by adopting the standard protocol. The collected data of proximate parameters and fiber fraction was subjected to variance analysis (ANOVA) in completely randomized design, followed by LSD method to test the difference. The greater number of blackbucks visited V. nilotica, P. fruiticosa and L. sindicus piles during all three months as compared to other tree, shrub and grasses. A significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in nutrients was observed in fourteen major range forage species.
To Cite this article:
Download
