Rate of intake by sheep of different genotypes of subterranean clover in
the vegetative growth stage
R.A. Dynes, S.K. Baker, D.B. Purser, L. Klein, X.R. Wang
CSIRO Division of Animal Production, Wembley, WA 6014, Australia
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1993,
53: 7-10
Six Merino wethers were used to graze six box-grown genotypes of
subterranean clover in a Latin square design. Each animal was offered 2
replicates of each genotype and permitted to graze 70% of the sward on offer.
The amount eaten was recorded at each grazing and video recordings were
used to record each sheep's grazing behaviour. There were genotype
differences in the rate of intake of fresh feed (g/min) with Clare (79.3 g/min)
being eaten faster than the other genotypes while Trikkala (67.1 g/min) was
eaten faster than both Geraldton (53.0 g/min) and Dinninup (54.9 g/min).
Similarly bite rate and dry matter (DM) per bite (bite weight) were
significantly related to genotype. With Dinninup the rate of intake and DM
per bite were less than expected from the measured sward characteristics
while differences in sward height accounted for most of the differences
recorded with Clare (20 cm tall) and Geraldton (8 cm tall).
The results indicate differences in the intake response of sheep to different
genotypes of subterranean clover. Possible reasons for these differences are
discussed.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Intake response; sheep; subterranean clover.
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
