Die voeding van skape op Dohne-suurveld

Author: W.P. Henning & H.H. Barnard
Year: 1982
Issue: 1
Volume: 12
Page: 29 - 37

In order to develop improved lamb production systems off the Dohne Sourveld qualitative and quantitative changes were brought about by either, (l) veld fertilization. (2) mowing or, (3) sod-seeding of lucerne. The production response of lactating ewes which received either high or low protein-energy licks on such "improved veld", was studied. The dry matter yields of the veld increased with increasing levels of nitrogenous fertilization up to a maximum yield of 3890 kg DM at 60 kg N per ha. The DM digestibility was not influenced by the level of N- fertilization. The protein content of the grass increased from 7,7 to9,4% (P<0,05) at the level of 60 kg N/ha. DM yield increased also from 1 410 to 1 685 kg/ha and the protein content from 7,7 to 9,8 % (P<0,01) by sod-seeding of lucerne into the veld. Mowing the veld in mid-February did not show a qualitative or quantitative influence on the grass. The ewes maintained their body mass on fertilized veld and the lamb growth-rate increased from 149 to 169 g/day whilst wool yield increased from 2,26 to 2,33 kg/ewe. There was a noticeable interaction between veld quality and type of lick and resulted in different production responses. Wool production was stimulated by the low protein lick whilst the growth rate of lambs and the maintenance of body mass in ewes were improved by the high protein lick.

Keywords: Lactating ewes, protein-energy licks, veld improvement
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