Six local male goats castrated and fitted with ruminal canulae were used. Goats were browsing freely daily between 7:00 to 17:00 h and divided into two equal groups. One group received feed blocks ad libitum, in the barn, at night. Fermentation parameters were measured three times a day. Protozoa were counted at 2 h. Ruminal pH was similar among groups and in the range of pH allowing for normal microbial activity. Ruminal fluid ammonia concentration was above the recommended level for microbial growth. The number of protozoa was highest in animals given feed blocks. The in situ degradation of eight shrubs dry matter and organic matter after incubation in the rumen of goats during 120 hours was not affected by feed block supply. The fermentation pattern, which was assessed by in vitro gas production, was similar. The browse species allowed favourable conditions for microbial activity in the rumen of goats browsing in a Mediterranean forest during spring.