Feeding potential of summer grain crop residues for woolled sheep in the south-eastern Transvaal Highveld 11. Selection of mate

Author: C.D. Esterhuyse, S.D. Niemand and H.H. Meissner
Year: 1991
Issue: 3
Volume: 21
Page: 149 - 152

Dohne Merino wethers grazed crop residues of lupins, dry beans, soybeans, sunflower, sorghum and maize at a stocking rate of 10 wethers / ha. Three wethers in every treatment were oesophageally fistulated and during sampling periods the other seven were fitted with faecal bags. Oesophageal and faecal samples were taken during the same period every second week. Oesophageal samples were separated into grain and straw (including weeds) to determine the grain: straw ratio and were analysed for dry matter (DM), organic matter, crude protein (CP) and in vitro digestible organic matter (lVDOM). Digestible organic matter and protein intake of sheep generally decreased with time as grain availability declined. At commencement of grazing the nutritional value of the residues was sufficient for sheep to increase mass. Crude-protein intake decreased with time and should be supplemented to sustain production.

 

Keywords: Crop residues, digestible organic matter intake, priotein intake, sheep
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