Garcia et al., 2008. Rev. Científica, FCV-LUZ, 18 (5): 549-555

In order to know the preference of twelve fodder species (Chlorophora tinctoria, Morus alba, Pithecellobium pedicellare, Gliricidia sepium, Guazuma ulmifolia, Cordia alba, Trichantera gigantea, Tithonia diversifolia, Leucaena leucocephala, Moringa oleifera, Azadirachta indica and Samanea saman) a cafeteria trial was carried out in goats at Trujillo State, Venezuela. An experimental square latin design with evaluation period of twelve days was used. Measurements included forage intake for species which were chemically analyzed in terms of chemical composition (CP, NDF, ADF, lignin, cellulose, Calcium, Phosphorus, ash, secondary metabolites presences and total phenols, condensed tannins and tripsin inhibitors level). C. tinctoria (0.334 kg DM) showed the greatest preference, with significant differences (P<0.05) in relation to the others. M. alba (0.271 kg DM) and P. pedicellare (0.255 kg DM) followed by G. sepium (0.183 kg DM), G. ulmifolia (0.164 kg DM), C. alba (0.157 kg DM), T. gigantea (0.156 kg DM) and T. diversifolia (0.141 kg DM). L. leucocephala (0.079 kg DM) and M. oleifera (0.067 kg DM) showed low preference. The lowest intake was observed with A. indica (0.025 kg DM) and S. saman (0.022 kg DM). During the experimental period different intake tendencies were observed in the which could be associated to the chemical composition of forages, specifically the presence of secondary metabolites with possible dissuasive properties. The results emphasize the importance of studies of animal preference in the initial characterization of trees and shrubs with fodder potential..