Nutritive value of Quercus pyrenaica Willd browse species in NE Portugal

The aim of this study was to assess the nutritive value of key browse species of pyrenean oak forests in Trás-os-Montes region (NE of Portugal). Pyrenean oak leaves: Constant composition along the leaf cycle just, this pattern changed in very young leaf stages (May) when leaves were not formed. Shrubs species: Highest nutritive value in late spring (May) and the lowest values in autumn (September). Consumption Pyrenean oak leaves: Increases through the season, becoming very high in August - September, when the other resources become less abundant and with less quality. Summer diet of goats contained about 25% of leaves whereas it was only 2.5% in the diet of sheep Shrubs species: The consumption of C. scoparius, C. multiflorus and C. striatus reaches in spring 38%, in summer and autumn about 10% and in winter 14% of total goat’s diets. Conclusion The relative quality of browse resources assessed and their high consumption by extensive livestock animals, confirm the role of grazing in shrub encroachment control, as well as, in reducing the risk fire