The effect of veld condition on the quality of diet selected by cattle grazing the Natal Sour Sandveld |
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Authors: | PJ O'Reagain MT Mentis |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Agricultural Development , Dohne Agricultural Centre , Private Bag X15, Stutterheim, 4930, Republic of South Africa;2. Department of Botany , University of the Witwatersrand , P.O. WITS 2050, Republic of South Africa |
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Abstract: | The quality of diet selected by steers fistulated at the oesophagous was related to veld condition in a simulated rotational grazing system on the Natal Sour Sandveld. Six camps, ranging in veld condition score from 8,5 to 53%, were grazed simultaneously for a two‐week period in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Fistula samples were collected on the first, middle and last day of a period of occupation in a camp. Samples were analysed in terms of crude protein (CP), in vitro digestibility (IVD) and plant‐part (% leaf, % stem and % dead material) composition. Dietary quality in terms of CP, IVD and plant‐part composition was not related to veld condition but was dependent largely (P≤0,01) upon season and to a lesser extent upon period of occupation in a camp. It was concluded that in sourveld areas, where dietary quality may be limiting, the veld condition score may be a poor index of potential animal production. |
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Keywords: | Crude protein in vitro digestibility plant part composition |
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