Seasonal changes in the quality of diet selected by cattle grazing the Natal Sour Sandveld.

Abstract

Seasonal changes in dietary quality were measured using steers fistulated at the oesophagus. From spring through to winter, crude protein (CP), in vitro digestibility (IVD) and leaf percentage in the diet declined significantly while percentage dead material increased significantly. Consumption of stem material increased gradually but declined in winter. Dietary CP and IVD were positively correlated with leaf percentage but negatively correlated with percentage dead material in the diet. The decline in dietary quality towards winter could be largely explained by changes in plant part consumption. It is recommended that protein supplementation of animals grazing veld be initiated in February in the area.

Keywords: cattle; cattle grazing; consumption; crude protein; diet; digestibility; dundee research station; grazing; in vitro digestibility; leaves; natal sour sandveld; plant parts; protein; quality; seasonal changes; south africa; veld