Diet selection and digestive efficiency of Dorper sheep and farmed goats and their implications for natural resource management in western NSW

Diet selection and digestive efficiency of Dorper sheep and farmed goats and their implications for natural resource management in western NSW Conference Paper

17th Australian Rangeland Society Biennial Conference

• Author(s): Y. Alemseged, R.B. Hacker, I.D. Toole, W.J. Smith, C. Waters
• Published: 2012
• Publisher: Australian Rangeland Society

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Abstract: The recent introduction of new sheep breeds such as the Dorper and the increasing trend to farming feral goats, pose serious questions for the ecological sustainability of the semi-arid and arid rangelands of western New South Wales. While Dorper sheep offer important production advantages, little is known from Australian research about their grazing habits and management requirements from a natural resource perspective. Similarly, the knowledge base on goat management in rangelands is limited to their control as a pest or their use in controlling some woody species and little attention has been directed to their management as livestock. This paper reports on a project that aims to evaluate the diet selection and digestive efficiency of Dorper sheep and farmed goats and their likely impact on the environment compared to Merino sheep. Possible opportunities and risks due to the introduction of these species are discussed. Grazing management strategies will be developed based on the findings.

• Urls: https://www.austrangesoc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Poster-4-5-Yohannes-Alemseged-3.pdf , https://www.austrangesoc.com.au/biennial-conference/17th-biennial-conference-papers-2012/
• Publisher Location: Kununurra, Western Australia,