Preference of plant species grazed by Makooy race sheep in the Gharebagh rangelands in West Azarbaijan Province

Rangelands are composed from different plant species and different habitual conditions. Growth and phenological characteristics are different in plant species. So rangeland species in each of the months of the season have the certain nutritional value. Thus preference value of forage plants for livestock is an important factor which this desirability in determination of range condition, range capacity and scientific management of rangelands can be used. Thus attention to the preference value of plant species in a region is a key factor which can guarantee the success of management in achieving its goals. In addition, recognizing the preference value of plant species for maintaining native species and supplying palatable forage for livestock is useful. Therefore the preference value of plant species by timing method for sheep was determined. Method was this form That within 4 years and 6 months (May, June, July, August and September) and two times in one day each month and each time about 20 minutes from of grazing sheep was shot The results showed in %1 level There is significant differences Between different species in terms of duration and Percent of the time grazed. ANOVA results showed that Percent of time grazing in different species has significant differences in1% level. Also ANOVA results showed that Percent of time grazing in different species had significant differences between species in different years, but time grazing and percent of time grazed In different months at 0. 01 level was significant. Result Showed that in addition to environmental factors such as grazing season, other factors such as quantity and quality of forage available for grazing by livestock are involved in the selection of plant species