Ingestion of plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) presents a major challenge to mammalian herbivores. We investigated the relationship between PSM concentrations in the diet and feeding patterns in sheep fed diet containing flavone extracted from Apocynum venetum. Results showed that the flavone concentrations significantly influenced food intake by sheep. With the concentration of flavone in diet increase, sheep can regulate their intake of PSM within limits that are tolerable.

• Ling Wang
• Deli Wang
• Xiao Shun
• Guowei Chen