An official website of the United States government.
In cooperation with Croatia, USDA-ARS will conduct collaborative research on improving livestock production by increasing consumption of tannin- and terpene-rich plants in shrubland ecosystems.
Utilization of Mediterranean shrublands is often limited by terpenes and tannins, toxic compounds that adversely affect forage intake and animal health. This study will 1) determine preferences, limitations to intake, and chronic toxicity of common Mediterranean shrubs to Croatian goats and sheep; 2) increaseintake of selected shrubs through supplemental treatment with PEG and activated charcoal; and 3) determine preferences and intake of free-ranging goats and sheep in mixed Mediterranean shrub communities with and without supplemental diet treatments.