Palatability and Animal Preferences of Plants in Tehsil Nikyal, District Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the palatability and animal preference of 110 plant species of Nikyal rangeland during summer and spring season.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Nikyal valley located at altitudinal range of 1500-1900 m within the longitude 74º04′ to 10′ east and latitude 33º26′ to 29′ north during July 2012 to June 2013.
Methodology: The palatability was assessed by collecting data through random sampling. The respondents (300) were randomly selected from different inhabitants of the area and were interviewed for this purpose. The respondents were those rearing the animal species considered for this study and they include: large scale farmers, domestic farmers, shepherds and house wives.
Results: There were 8 tree species (7.27%), 21 shrub species (19.09%) and 81herbaceous species (73.63%) which were grazed among four species of animals in different season. over all 60 species (55%) were palatable and 50 species (45%) were non-palatable. Among the palatable 10 species (16.66%) were highly palatable, 22 species (36.66%) mostly palatable, 19 species (31.66%) less palatable and 9 (15%) were rarely palatable species. Most acceptable plant parts by animals are leaves (42, 53%) while the least acceptable parts are flowers/fruits (14, 18 %). The goat browsed 52 species (33%), sheep 36 species (23%), cow 31 species (20 %) and buffalo 37 species (24%).
Conclusion: Along with the plant type, the palatability is dependent on different factor including animal type, seasonal type, area, habitat and weather.