Food selection and competition in the East African buffalo (Syncerus caffer Sparrman)

Rumen samples collected at different times of the year from buffalo in the Serengeti, were analysed with respect to proportions of plant parts present. Buffalo were almost exclusive grazers and were capable of selecting for grass leaf. At certain times of year it was the dominant food intake component but declined to only 11% of the diet by the end of the dry season. The amount of leaf in the diet was determined by the amount of rainfall which governed the growth of the food grasses. Experimental preference tests with tame animals indicated that they were capable of selecting for different grass species. The preferences were, however, for those species with a higher leaf: stem ratio. The mechanism of selection is discussed. The function of the behavioural selection appeared to be concerned with maximizing the nutrient quality of the food requirements. It appeared that ecological separation had evolved through interspecific competition.