Zagros forests have an important role in the life of local people due to its area, distribution, species diversity and forest products. In addition, it is one of the most important biological sources and genetic reservoirs of Iran, so that this region is one of the larg
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Zagros forests have an important role in the life of local people due to its area, distribution, species diversity and forest products. In addition, it is one of the most important biological sources and genetic reservoirs of Iran, so that this region is one of the largest and most important animal husbandry centers. The main purpose of this research is to determine palatability of the tree species in Boyerahmad forests for sheep and goats. The studied trees include: Pyrus glabra Boiss, Quercus brantii Lindl .Lonicera nummulariifolia Jaub.& Spach, Pistacia mutica Fisch.& Mey C. A. and Acer monspessulanum L. The investigation was carried out in cafeteria method, using factorial plan, and replicated three times, 2.5 kg forages of each tree was harvested and randomly put into uniform plate to feed the ewe and nanny goats during 12 hours. Six animals out of each group with similar weight, age and health were selected and the animals were adapted to condition before the experiment. The forage in the plates was weighted after the experiment. The results of two way ANOVA and comparative mean, t-test, exhibit different palatability order for ewe and nanny goat. Palatability hierarchy for ewe is P.mutica, A. monspessulanum P. glabra, L. nummulariifolia and Q. brantii where as for nanny goat the priority is different and accepts following order P. glabra, L. nummulariifolia P.mutica, A. monspessulanum and Q. brantii.
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