THE COMPOSITION OF THE RUMEN CONTENTS AMO NG ALPINE IBEX (CAPRA I IBEX L) IN RELATION TO THE SEASONS, AGE AND BROWSE SUPPLY

The contents of the rumens of 554 ibex were examined for their botanic al composition. The results of the analysis showed that this species m ainly feeds on grasses. A preference for these plants to herbs, dwarf shrubs, or conifers was clearly demonstrated by a survey of the potent ial food supply on the browsing areas. The quantitative proportion of grasses amounted to more than 80% regardless of the season. In autumn and winter yellowed and dry grasses were the main component of the rum ens. Herbs were selected in small quantities mainly during the summe r months, dwarf shrubs and conifer shoots in autumn and winter.