The carotene content of some South African feeds

Abstract

1. Carotene values are given for six well-known grasses, cut monthly from established plots under natural climatic conditions at Onderstepoort from August, 1938, to August, 1939. 2 . If the average bovine (800 lb. body weight) requires 9 milligrams carotene per day, then there exists no actual Vitamin-A deficiency for the season in question. 3. Carotene values are given for grasses cut at one-monthly up to four-monthly periods during the growth stage. 4. The average intakes of carotene from these grasses are well above the minimum requirements of stock. 5. Carotene values are given for veld grasses cut on the veld from the areas Vryburg, Bechuanaland and Ermelo on the Highveld of the Transvaal during the years 1935 and 1936, and analysed shortly afterwards. 6. Here for the period in question, there is a strong indication of a likely Vitamin A deficiency during the dry months.