CLASSIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF RANGELANDS BASED ON THE SPECIES OF GRAZING ANIMALS

When deciding on the type of livestock to be grazed, the primary objective is to maximize yield

and profitability from the rangelands. Therefore, it is crucial to select different animal species

that will utilize the rangelands most efficiently. When choosing between large and small

ruminants, one of the most important factors to consider is the slope. Flat or nearly flat

rangelands are better suited for cattle and horses, while rugged, sloped areas are more

effectively grazed by sheep and goats. Sheep are also more suitable for high-altitude rangelands.

Another important factor is the quantity and quality of forage produced on the rangelands. In

this regard, sparse rangelands with low forage production are more appropriate for sheep and

goats, whereas densely vegetated rangelands with abundant forage are better suited for cattle

and horses. Additionally, the structure of the animals’ mouths, lips, jaws, and teeth, as well as

the size of their mouths and how they grasp the forage, play a significant role in determining

grazing patterns. Large ruminants, due to their wider mouths, are less selective grazers and leave more stubble behind on the rangelands. Small ruminants, on the other hand, can grasp

plants closer to the ground due to their smaller mouths and can graze on a variety of plants,

including thorny species. Another criterion affecting species selection isthe feeding preferences

of the animals. Horses, cattle, and sheep are considered more suitable for rangelands dominated

by grasses, while sheep and goats are more appropriate for areas with a higher diversity of plant

species or broad-leaved plants. In shrub-dominated rangelands, goats and sheep are considered

more appropriate. For poultry, flat, low-lying areas near villages with an abundance of rosette

or prostrate plants are generally considered more suitable.