AN OVERVIEW OF GOAT`S NATURAL BROWSING POTENTIALS: SHORT COMMUNICATIONS

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide an insight on the browse nature of goat. Therefore, having knowledge and clear understanding on how goat browses and certain morphological features that qualify goat to be a good browser will be of significant importance and part of management practices that goat keepers will put into consideration. Browsing helps goats to acquire self-medications improve nutrient efficiency, ability to detoxify poisonous plant, control bush encroachment and helps
to minimize cropland conflict. Among of the feature that make goat good browser are morphological nature of the goat lip, bipedal standing ability, has greater bitter taste tolerance, climbing ability, and feed preference nature of goats. The emergence of many browsing styles and increased exhibiting many browsing behaviors by goats necessitated the need for a clear understanding of causes, importance and morphological features that make goats a good browser. This will provide avenue and enable researchers from different disciplines such as pasture agronomist, ruminant nutritionists, and physiologist to come out with a holistic idea in relation to mechanisms that make goat exhibit browsing characteristics.