Preference value of rangeland species (Polour area in Mazandaran province)

Determining the preference value of rangeland species by grazing livestock is one of the factors in rangeland management. In this study, the preference value of rangeland plants of Polour site in mountainous rangelands of Mazandaran in the months of grazing season (July to September) and different years (2007-2010) was investigated. The species selection index was used to determine the preference value of species. Species Production and consumption inside and outside the exclosure in the months of the grazing season and for four years were collected to calculate the species selection index. Duncan's multiple range test was applied to compare the means of traits. The results show that the species preference index, as well as the species preference index in different months of the grazing season, was significantly different at (p<0.01) Elymus hispidus var hispidus, Arenaria gypsophiloides, Bromus tomentellus, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca ovina, Taraxacum montanum, Tragopogon graminifolius, Falcaria vulgaris were classified in palatable class I. Astragalus aegobromus and Ferula galbaniflua were in palatable class II. Dianthus orientalis, Stipa hohenackeriana, Papaver bracteatum, Thymus pubescens, Verbascum Thapsus, Gagea lutea, Goebelia alopecuroides, and Euphorbia helioscopia were classified in palatable class III. Therefore, in the study of preference value, in addition to the taste of the studied livestock, factors such as the amount of production and the percentage of available plants, the distribution, and the amount of livestock access to them play a role in this area.