Nutritional profile and leaf surface structure of some native shrubs consumed by small ruminants in semiarid regions of northeastern Mexico. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 11: 145-156. 145 J. Appl. Anim. Res. 0971-2119/97,605.00 0 GSP, India with exception of Acacia rigidula (31%), probably because of its high tannin content. However, this plant .was the most prefered for its high abundance in the range. The preference in diets by small ruminants not only depends on the leaf surface structure, but i s highly related to the abundance of browse species in the harsh summer season also as well as their nutritional value. It seems that availability and the high nutritional value of plants had influenced diet selection, although leaf surface smoothness may play some role in animal selection. Besides, leaf surface structure could be an acceptable guide for plant species identification.

Ramirez, R.G., Rusildi-Gonzdez, C., Hernbdez-Piiieiro, J.L. and Maiti, R 1997. Nutritional profile and leaf surface structure of some monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous species for grazing ruminants in semiarid regions of Northeastern Mexico. J. Appl