Effects of organic solvent extracts from herbage on feeding behavior in goats.

The effects of organic solvent extracts from perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. cv. Friend), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L. cv. Akimidori) andLolium ×Festuca hybrid on the hay consumption of goats were measured by simple two-choice feeding assays. Orchardgrass hay treated with methanol extracts (resuspended in water) of perennial ryegrass showed an increased intake by goats compared to untreated hay (P < 0.01). The palatability of hay tended to be slightly decreased by spraying it with pentane extract of perennial ryegrass and orchardgrass. Furthermore, extracts of hybrid with pentane inhibited goats from feeding (P < 0.05). Methanol extract stimulated hay consumption whereas the pentane extracts did not change or reduce intake.