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Abstract

The recent introduction of new sheep breeds such as the Dorper and the increasing

trend to farming feral goats, pose serious questions for the ecological sustainability of

the semi-arid and arid rangelands of western New South Wales. While Dorper sheep

offer important production advantages, little is known from Australian research about

their grazing habits and management requirements from a natural resource

perspective. Similarly, the knowledge base on goat management in rangelands is

limited to their control as a pest or their use in controlling some woody species and

little attention has been directed to their management as livestock. This paper reports

on a project that aims to evaluate the diet selection and digestive efficiency of Dorper

sheep and farmed goats and their likely impact on the environment compared to

Merino sheep. Possible opportunities and risks due to the introduction of these species

are discussed. Grazing management strategies will be developed based on the

findings.