Article
Spanish
ID: <
10670/1.74yne9>
Abstract
Summary The goats live in arid regions as a result of their adaptation to extreme conditions. Dietary selection is one of the behavioural strategies that have allowed them to avoid nutritional deficiencies or intoxications even under conditions of low food availability. In addition, as an inestive behaviour of the species, the ramoneum allows them to select and obtain plants with adequate raw protein values to support their development and survival. Goats are also adapted to the chemical characteristics of plants, which develop bioactive compounds to avoid consumption. These secondary metabolites may have antinutritional and toxic effects as well as medicinal or curative effects, depending on the consumption of the animal. The aim of this work was to review the selection and habits of goats in the consumption of native plants, in order to determine how they promote the survival and productivity of the species under the adverse environmental conditions that characterise arid regions. This knowledge will make it possible to establish strategies for the proper management of the residue and to ascertain the effect that compounds of secondary metabolism in plants may have on the reproductive, nutritional and health processes and on the products derived from the milk or meat of these animals.