Food selection by giraffes in relation to changes in chemical composition of the leaves

Abstract

Food preferences and food selection by giraffe have been extensively investigated but little data concerning the chemical composition of the preferred species are available. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the differences and seasonal changes in the chemical composition of the leaves of preferred food plants influence food selection. Protein content and moisture seem to be the important fractions that influence food selection most when evaluating. this food selection criterion.

Voedselvoorkeuree n voedselseleksiev an kameelperdei s goed bestudeer; min data is egter beskikbaar oor die chemieses amestel l ingv an die voorkeurv oedselplanteD. ie doel van die huidige studie was om vas te stel of die chemiese samestellingv an die voorkeurvoedselplante n die seisoenale verandering daarvan, enige invloed het op die kameelperde se seleksie van die blare van die besondere plantsoorte. Dit wil voorkom asof die proteien- en voginhoud die belangrikste fraksies is wat op grond van hierdie kriterium voedselseleksie beinvloed.

Keywords: Food preference, giraffe, seasonal utilization, chemical composition, crude protein, moisture