Heat production and energy balance of sheep and goats fed sole diets of Acacia saligna and Medicago sativa

摘要: Abstract We hypothesized that the heat production and energy balance of small ruminants are affected by diet quality, in particular plants with high levels detrimental secondary compounds, there differences among livestock ability to utilize forage. The tannin fodders would be very important drylands for production. Energy intake change sheep ( n  = 10; 44.5 kg) goats 36.5 kg) were determined when consuming an ad libitum sole either Acacia saligna , a low tannin-rich fodder or Medicago sativa (lucerne hay), quality fodder. Dry matter digestibility A. was higher than sheep, 44.6 25.9%, respectively, but similar between ruminant species M. . Daily 360.4 321.0 kJ kg −0.75  day −1 432.3 445.8 kJ kg respectively. There no difference species, on Metabolizable 232.4 78.1 kJ kg Goats negative positive However, loss less 128.0 242.9 kJ kg gain Results indicated (1) lower is mainly consequence dry increment feeding; (2) forage better able digest poor forage; (3) can tolerate sheep.