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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #191939
Title: ONE SEED JUNIPER INTAKE BY SHEEP AND GOATS SUPPLEMENTED WITH DEGRADABLE OR BY-PASS PROTEIN

Author
item UTSUMI, S. - NEW MEXICO STATE UNIV
item CIBILS, A. - NEW MEXICO STATE UNIV
item Estell, Richard - Rick
item SOTO-NAVARRO, S. - NEW MEXICO STATE UNIV
item ROSS, T. - NEW MEXICO STATE UNIV
item IVEY, S. - NEW MEXICO STATE UNIV
item GIACOMINI, M. - NEW MEXICO STATE UNIV
item PETERSON, M. - NEW MEXICO STATE UNIV
item COX, S. - NEW MEXICO STATE UNIV
item RUBIO, M. - NEW MEXICO STATE UNIV

Submitted to: Society for Range Management Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/11/2006
Publication Date: 1/12/2006
Citation: Utsumi, S.A., Cibils, A.F., Estell, R.E., Soto-Navarro, S., Ross, T.T., Ivey, S., Giacomini, M., Peterson, M., Cox, S., Rubio, M. 2006. One seed juniper intake by sheep and goats supplemented with degradable or by-pass protein [abstract]. New Mexico Section Range Science Winter Meetings, January 12, 2006, Las Cruces, New Mexico. Paper No. 11.

Interpretive Summary: No interpretive summary required.

Technical Abstract: Re-invasion of one seed juniper previously cleared woodlands is a concern of range managers throughout the southwestern United States. Prescribed browsing with sheep and goats could be used as a juniper control method. Success with this tool may depend on improving the herbivore’s ability to detoxify plant terpenoids in order to induce levels of herbivory that are likely to suppress juniper growth and recruitment. Our objective was to test the effect of two kinds of protein supplementation on juniper consumption by sheep and goats. One seed juniper intake was compared in sheep and goats fed diets varying in amount and quality of crude protein during three seasons (summer, fall, and winter). Goats consumed significantly more juniper than ewes and protein supplements more than doubled juniper intake by both sheep and goats. Goats aggressively defoliated juniper branches, while sheep consumed leaves in a more selective manner. In summary, sheep and goats have potential for use to suppress juniper sapling encroachment. Goats consumed more juniper and protein supplements had a stronger influence on juniper intake of goats.