Preference and Daily Intake of Five East African Grasses by Zebras

Abstract

Three captive zebras were fed five common East African grasses-Themeda triandra, Eragrostis caespitosa, Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria milanjiana, and Cymbopogan pospischilii-to determine rates of voluntary forage intake and species preference. Forage intake averaged 43 g dry matter per kg body weight (41 lb/1,000 lb body weight). Digitaria milanjiana was the most preferred species.