Hábito alimentar do cabrito, capra hircus blythi (Ellerman 0 Morrison-Scott, 1951) na Ilha da Inhaca

Abstract

This work was done in Ilha da Inhaca, which is located in the south of Mozambique, off the city of Maputo. The work started in June 1993 and ended in June 1994, not including August 1993 and January 1994. The work comprised a 1st part of direct observations of herds, for the determination of diet composition (in terms of categories, species and plant parts), and for measuring activity. There was a 2nd part, to determine the quality of the diet, and this was done by weights of male goats, determinations of nitrogen content in food and feces, and counts of the number of chews of regurgitated cakes. The first had a monthly periodicity. The work also had a 3rd part, to determine the amount of the diet, and this was done by weighing 341 kids, just in June. There was a 4th part, estimating the number and abundance of goats, through counts. This was done in mid-winter and summer, and in transition periods. There was a last part, of surveys, to complement the work. It was observed that the highest consumption was of herbs, with no difference between grasses and non-grass herbs. Legumes did not show importance for the goats' diet. They consumed many species, but most of them were of low participation in the diet. The expired parts showed very low participation. The most important activity was eating, and it was most observed in winter. In contrast, in summer, the most observed activity was ruminating. The walking activity was the least important. The quality of the kids' diet was better in summer than in winter. The amount of the kids' diet was estimated at 887.25 (± 39.00) kg of dry matter per day on the island. The number of kids was estimated at 1950 kids. The abundance of goats was greatest in the forest and on fallow agricultural land. In summer, the abundance at these sites was even greater. No goats were found in the mangrove. (TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)