Importance of Shrublands for Goats

This review aims to evaluate the shrublands for goats in terms of assessing their nutritive value and specific health promoting effects. Shrublands in Turkey are composed of a large number of plant species, and spread over a wide area throughout the country. The shrubs have generally low protein and high cellulose contents. The nutrient composition of shrubs varies heavily depending on species involved in the shrubland and their growing area. Their nutrient potential depends on chemical composition and the abundance of secondary metabolites (tanens, alkaloids, saponins, flavanoids, etc.). Depending on the concentrations of the secondary compounds in the plant, intake and animal performance may negatively be affected. Nevertheless, positive effects exerted by secondary plant metabolites in the shrubs, including those on rumen fermentation and animal health (e.g. anthelmintic effects), have repeatedly been reported. For a more sustainable shrubland management, it is essential to determine the grazing capacities and develop supplementary feeding strategies to be implemented in times of nutrient scarcity. An assessment of shrublands to be used in organic animal production will further contribute to sustainability.