Comparing feeding strategies of local sheep breeds and crossbred goats in the Ain Khiar alder forest (Algeria) for optimised management

The ecological context of the Ain Khiar alder forest, a rare and fragile environment, as well as the decline in its food resources, especially in winter, require appropriate herd management to preserve its agroecological balance. To this end, this study compares the daily activities and feeding behaviour of two local ruminant breeds, Berber sheep and Arbia crossbred goats, in this alder forest during the winter period.

The experiment involved visual observation of five two-year-old ewes and five two-year-old goats over ten consecutive days. The main daily activities were recorded using the regular interval observation method, and the quantities ingested were recorded using the ‘bite count’ method. Thus, ewes spend more time feeding and resting (287 and 70 minutes per day, respectively), while goats spend more time moving around (159 minutes per day) in search of food, reflecting their more selective feeding behaviour.

In terms of diet, the total grazing time is identical for both species (480 min/day), but goats consume more shrubs (100% of bites), while sheep adopt a mixed diet (53.5% shrubs, 46.5% grasses). The average weight of each bite and the total amount of dry matter ingested are lower in goats (0.17 g DM and 0.91 kg DM vs. 0.21 g DM and 1.2 kg DM).

In conclusion, there are notable differences in the feeding strategy and use of grazing space between the two species. A better understanding of these specific characteristics offers avenues for optimising the exploitation and management of natural resources, especially shrubs, while preserving the fragile biodiversity of the Ain Khiar alder forest.