Grazing behavior of Awassi sheep and the biodiversity of plant species under semi-arid reserved conditions

The objectives of this study were to classify plant and vegetation patterns as well as to investigate the grazing behavior of Awassi sheep raised under extensive semi-arid environmental conditions. The study was conducted at Twana reserve. Plant productivity was determined and the allowable productivity and stocking rate were calculated. High variation was observed in native vegetation used for sheep grazing in the reserve. A proper stocking rate should be applied in each grazing scenario in order to avoid overgrazing.