A study of the mineral content and feeding value of natural pastures in the Union of South Africa. Third report

Abstract

1. The third report of the series on the mineral content and feeding value of South African natural pastures is presented. 2. Both pasture and blood analysis confirm the earlier statement that practically all South African pastures are low in phosphorus for the greater part of the year. 3. Crude protein varies more or less directly as the phosphorus content of the pasture and is extraordinarily low during certain seasons of the year. 4. Generally, the sodium content of the samples is so low that it suggests an insufficiency of sodium for producing animals on pasturage. 5. The samples analysed were representative of the herbage in the areas of collection and not necessarily of the pasture actually eaten by stock as will be the case with all samples collected subsequently and to be reported on in due course.