Palatability and nutritive value of some common plant species from the Aqaba Gulf area of Sinai, Egypt

The Sinai Peninsula includes rangeland with highly palatable plant species. Many physical and chemical factors influence palatability of plant species, of which animal behaviour and chemical composition are the most important. Average digestible crude protein (DCP) in the study area was 4•6%, which almost meets the requirements of the grazing animals. Average total digestible nutrients (TDN) was 66•5%. Average gross energy (GE) was 4100 kcal kg−1, digestible energy (DE) was 2650 kcal kg−1and metabolisable energy (ME) was 2200 kcal kg−1. The energy content in the study area was equal 0•66 Scandinavian feed units. Therefore it appears that animals feeding on Sinai pasture receive most of their requirements.