Feeding behaviour of cattle along aridity gradients in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Rangelands are increasingly becoming arid and cause reductions in palatable forage availability. This influences livestock daily gains, which may reduce their body weights. This study assesses how aridity gradients and alien invasive plants affect the feeding behaviour of cattle (Bos taurus) in communal rangelands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The objectives of this study are to determine the availability of vegetation in the feeding sites against utilisation by cattle from two contrasting rangelands (Manzaneni and Madwaleni). We used direct observations to determine the feeding behaviour of cattle in the dry season. A total of 30 cattle were observed per study site. The preliminary results show that cattle feed on a limited selection of plants in the dry season, including toxic alien invasive plants (Parthenium hysterophorus and Lantana camara). Parthenium hysterophorus contributed about 3% to the diet of cattle in Manzaneni, while L. camara contributed about 1% to the diet of cattle in Madwaleni. Manzaneni was the most invaded by P. hysterophorus (11%), while Madwaleni feeding sites appeared to be less invaded, i.e., Lantana camara (2%) and P. hysterophorus (1%). Consumption of the toxic invasive species may compromise the health of animals or lead to death when consumed for long periods. The losses imposed by invasive plants to small-scale farmers may be significant.