The carotene content of some South African feeds

Abstract

1. Carotene values were determined by analysing veldgrass samples, collected monthly in the areas, Onderstepoort (Pretoria district), Ermelo (Transvaal Highlands) and Vryburg (Bechuanaland). 2. From the values for Carotene found, the daily intake was calculated and one can safely conclude that no deficiency of Carotene existed for the season August, 1939, to August, 1940, for all the areas in question. During 1938, due to low rainfall in the Vryburg area, a low intake of Carotene was registered, which was, however, still above the minimum requirement of 9 mgms. daily. Low intakes for a few months in winter (during dry periods) were found, but these instances were the exception rather than the rule.