Dry Matter and Energy Intake in Relation to Digestibility in Desert Bighorn Sheep 1

Dry matter and energy intake in relation to digestibility in desert bighorn sheep. Acta theriol., 33, 11: 121—130. [With 3 Tables] Dry matter intake (DMI), and dry matter digestibility (DMD) were determined for three diets, using three desert bighorn sheep, Ovis canadensis mexicana. Bighorn sheep were placed in individual cages and fed three diets: high and low quality alfalfa, and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon). Mean DMI of high quality alfalfa, low-quality alfalfa, and Bermuda grass was 1,281.3, 1,512.0, and 1,084.0 g/animal/day, respectively, with corresponding DMD's of 68.5, 64.1, and 57.7°/o. Dry matter digestibility was improved with increased crude protein and cell solubles, and with decreased neutral detergent fiber and hemicel-lulose. Mean digestibility energies for the high quality alfalfa, low quality alfalfa, and Bermuda grass were 642.6, 626.6, and 412.3 kJ/kg BW°-75/day, respectively