Factors affecting the feeding behaviour of free ranging Tswana and Boer goats in the False Thornveld of the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

The study was aimed at investigating the factors affecting the feeding behaviour of 3 free ranging Tswana and 3 Boer goat does in the False Thornveld of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Feeding was observed and recorded during winter (cool dry season) and the summer (hot wet season). Observations included the following categories: browsing, grazing and non-feeding activities (NFA). Browsing activity included bi-pedal stance (recorded separately) and represented the browsing of all woody species. Tree/Bush species browsed at the time of recording were visually identified and recorded separately. Grazing activity represented the grazing of grasses without the identification or recording of species. Non-feeding activities include separate recordings of walking, standing, lying and drinking. Results showed goats spent 21.9 %, 44.7 % and 33.3 % of their day on browsing, grazing and non-feeding activities. Goats spent more time on NFA in the cold-dry season (68.8) than the hot-wet season (31.9). Though diurnal variations were observed across breed and season in terms of browsing and non feeding activities, no diurnal variations were found between the breeds. Knowledge of seasonal and breed variations in feeding behaviour of goats is fundamental to the development of management strategies for small scale farmers aimed at optimal and sustained use of the natural vegetation.