Abstract

In the present study, leaves and twigs from 17 shrubs and trees consumed by the west-north Moroccan indigenous goats were collected and evaluated for their calcium and phosphorus (Ca and P) content. The potential mineral needs of adults and young goats of both sexes (male and female) from three localities were estimated to assess their mineral deficiency. This assessment was based on their weight and the diet composition determined through direct observation and the bites method. The browse species had a higher Ca content than P (1.79 vs 1.57 g/kg DM). The adult female goats had the highest P intake (2.04 g/day) with the highest deficit compared to the male adult (-29 vs -26) of their daily requirements. Young kids (males and females) had the lowest Ca intake (0.81 and 0.75 g/day, respectively) and recorded the lowest deficit (-17 vs -19) , respectively. Goats also showed a higher Ca deficit than P. In conclusion, the present results offer valuable information about the main mineral intake of the goats in the forest pasture of this region. Supplementing these two minerals is essential for enhancing goat performance in the traditional semi-extensive goat farming system that relies on forest pastures in the western-northern region of Morocco. © The Author(s) 2025