Low nutritional quality and high levels of essential oils result in lo
w consumption of juniper by goats. In this study we examined: (1) if j
uniper consumption could be increased by exposing goats to essential o
ils early in life; (2) if goat breeds (Spanish vs Angora) differed in
juniper consumption; (3) if differences in juniper consumption were re
lated to detoxification abilities of goats; and, (4) if differences in
digestibility and nitrogen or energy balance could explain juniper co
nsumption patterns. In the first experiment, Spanish and Angora goats
6-7 weeks old, were bolused every other day for 1 month with essential
oils distilled from redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchotii Sudw.), whi
le control animals received empty capsules. Goats were then offered re
dberry juniper branches in a 5-day acceptance trial. Spanish goats con
sumed more (p < 0.01) juniper during the trial than Angoras. Goats pre
viously dosed with essential oils ingested marginally less (p < 0.086)
juniper than controls. Liver-specific enzymes in blood serum (asparta
te aminotransferase and gamma glutamyltransferase) were compared befor
e and after acceptance testing to examine potential liver damage. Span
ish goats apparently experienced less tissue damage in response to jun
iper consumption than Angora goats. A second experiment examined the d
igestion and metabolism of juniper. Spanish goats consumed more (p < 0
.01) juniper than Angora goats though Angoras digested juniper more co
mpletely; probably a result of their lower consumption. The metabolic
fate of dietary nitrogen and energy was similar for both breeds and un
affected by exposure to essential oils early in life.