Induced grazing mode and intensity on Periploca angustifolia Labill., a dryland pastoral species

Dghim, Fairouz , Tarhouni, Mohamed , Ayeb, Naziha , Khorchani, Touhami , Boukhris, Makki , Neffati, Mohamed , Chaieb, Mohamed

2025-08-11 EURO-MEDITERRANEAN JOURNAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATION 2025   null(卷), null(期), (null页)

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Livestock grazing alters the structure and composition of plant communities, influencing both their ecological function and forage value. This study assessed the impact of different grazing methods and intensities on the above-ground biomass of Periploca angustifolia, a shrub commonly found in arid regions and frequently integrated in the restoration of degraded rangelands. Specifically, the research aimed to evaluate how varying cutting intensities (low and intense) and period (early, late, and repeated) affect the chemical composition of the plant's above-ground biomass. Results revealed that P. angustifolia has a high nutritional value, with crude protein ranging from 16 to 20% (dry matter basis), the highest value observed under repeated high-intensity cutting. Both the cutting period and intensity significantly influenced the amount of consumable biomass, as well as the levels of condensed tannins, which ranged from 2.6 to 8.7% DM. Neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber varied between 32-42 and 31-42% DM, respectively, and increased with cutting intensity. Despite these variations, the plant consistently maintained high dry matter digestibility values (65-80%), highlighting its potential as a valuable forage species under arid conditions.