The effect of veld condition on the quality of diet selected by cattle grazing the Natal Sour Sandveld.

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, IVP and plant-part composition was not related to veld condition but was dependent largely (P < 0, 01) upon season and to be a lesser extend 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.

Keywords: animal production; cattle; cattle grazing; composition; crude protein; digestibility; dundee research station; grazing; in vitro digestibility; leaves; natal sour sandveld; oesophageal fistulas; period of occupation; plant part composition; production; rotational grazing; south africa; veld condition; veld condition score