Influence of secondary compound complementarity and species diversity on consumption of Mediterranean shrubs by sheep

Our findings suggest that secondary compounds in Mediterranean shrubs (tannins and saponins) are complementary. Species diversity also plays an important role in diet selection, as plant species with different types and amounts of nutrients and phytotoxins may affect forage intake and animal production. This knowledge will help livestock producers to capitalize on phytochemical interactions to enhance intake, optimize forage utilization, and ultimately improve performance of browsing ruminant herbivores.