INFLUENCE OF ODOR AND TASTE OF MONOTERPENOIDS ON FOOD SELECTION BY ANOSMIC AND INTACT SHEEP AND GOATS

Monoterpenoid compounds are found in many taxa including Artemisia and Juniperus sp., and are presumed to deter herbivores from feeding on p lants producing them. This study explored the potential influences of monoterpenoid odor and taste on food preference of anosmic and intact sheep and goats. Odor contamination was achieved by placing a cotton s wab saturated with a standard mixture of monoterpenoids in a vial whic h was hung at the entry of the feeder. Taste discrimination was tested by offering anosmic animals a choice between a feeder containing alfa lfa pellets contaminated with the standard mixture of monoterpenoids o r a similar feeder containing non-contaminated standard diet. Results indicated that sheep and goats discriminated against monoterpenoid odo r and taste, respectively. However, because of the potential interacti on of concentration of monoterpenoids used, animal age, adaptation to odor and taste, and location preference, the possibility that sheep an d goats discriminate against monoterpenoid odor and taste has not been definitely proven nor disproven.