A comparative study on the efficiency of water soluble phosphates and a dry phosphate lick for sheep fed on mature grass hay

Abstract

In a study with adolescent Merino sheep on a diet of mature grass hay, the supplementation with phosphates alone, either in the drinking water or as a dry lick, did not prevent loss of condition. Furthermore, in metabolism studies the phosphorus and nitrogen balances under these conditions were negative. However, the daily inclusion of small allowances of lucerne hay and maize samp to the diet resulted in increased intakes of protein and carbohydrate and ensured positive metabolism balances for phosphorus and nitrogen. Under these improved feeding conditions body weights increased. The result of feeding this diet suggested that phosphate feeding at certain times may be unnecessary under practical conditions.