Naslov
Goat preference for phylogenetical diverse compared to similar Mediterranean shrubs

Autori
Rogosic, Jozo ; Ralph, Michael ; Musa, Antonela ; Skobic, Dragan ; Krvavica, Marina, Arapovic, Maja

Izvornik
Journal of Mediterranean Ecology (2532-2095) 16 (2018), SI; 5-13

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
community phylogeny ; goats ; Mediterranean shrubs ; phylogenetical diversity ; preference

Sažetak
Goat preference for phylogenetically diverse Mediterranean shrubs is key to understanding ecological relationships between plant and animal components of these shrubby ecosystems. In this study, we explore the preference of goats for phylogenetically diverse compared to similar Mediterranean shrubs. In four consecutive experiments, goats in group 1 were fed with one, two, three or four similar oak species (Quercus pubescens, Q. ilex, Q. cerris and Q. petraea), while goats in group 2 were fed with one, two, three and four phylogenetically diverse shrubs (Fraxinus ornus, Arbutus unedo, Hedera helix and Juniperus oxycedrus) that belong to different genera, family, order and subclasses. There was no difference in biomass intake between groups in Exp. 1 (17.76 ± 0.91 vs. 15.92 ± 0.79 g/kg BW ; P = 0.52) and Exp. 2 (27.03 ± 0.86 vs. 30.79 ± 0.79 g/kg BW ; P = 0.12).However goats in the phylogenetically diverse group 2consumed more biomass in Exp. 3 (28.99 ± 0.91 vs. 39.57 ± 1.13 g/kg BW ; P < 0.001) and Exp. 4 (31.67 ± 0.94 vs. 45.67 ± 1.01 g/kg BW ; P < 0.001) in comparison to goats fed with phylogenetical similar oak (Quercus) species. Our results confirm the hypothesis that intake of plant biomass often increases when animals are offered different plant species which are phylogenetically more diverse.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Poljoprivreda (agronomija)

POVEZANOST RADA