The utilization by sheep of the proteins contained in the natural grazing during different seasons of the year

Abstract

By means of controlled metabolism experiments it was shown that the biological value of the proteins in the natural grazing of the Transvaal varies according to the season of the year. During April the average biological value is 82, and during July the value obtained is 83. When the nitrogen content of the pasture increases, the biological value decreases. In October the average biological value is 62, and in January 74. It has been shown by means of the above data that there is a protein deficiency in the pasture during the entire winter, starting in April and concluding round about August or September.