Die voeding van skape of Dohne-suurveld

Abstract

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€nergy 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 3 890 kg DM at 60 kg N per ha. The DM digestibility was not influenced by the fevel of N- fer t i l izat ion. The protein  content of the grassi ncreasedf rom 7,7 to9,4% Q<0,05) at the levelo f 60 kg N/ha. DM yield increased also from I 410 to 1 685 kg/ha and the protein content from 7 ,7 to 9,8 % e <0,01) by sod-seedingo f 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 giday 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.W ool 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.