Seasonal changes in grazing activities of sheep and goats in communal mediterranean rangelands of northern Greece

Rangeland use depends to a great extent on grazing animal movements which are largely affected by the shepherd himself, but also related with the grazing season as well as the kind of livestock species. In the present study, the grazing activities (feeding, moving, standing, laying, and ruminating) of representative flocks were recorded in different seasons of the year. It was found that the time devoted for feeding showed a seasonal change with significant differences (55.0% in winter 46.1% in spring and 34.5% in summer). Goats spent 11.2%, 2.3% and 1.1% significantly more time for moving, ruminating and laying, respectively, than did sheep during the whole year. Sheep spent 11.3% and 3.4% greater time for standing and feeding, respectively. It is concluded that animals adapt their activities according to the particular season, while goats are more mobile than sheep.