Studies on the production of beef from zebu cattle in East Africa III. The value of feeding a phosphatic supplement

Abstract

1. Three experiments are described in which dicalcium phosphate was fed as a phosphatic supplement to beef-type zebu cows and weaner calves grazing at Muguga in the Kenya Highlands.2. The treatment caused an increase in the level of inorganic phosphate in the bloods only during times of drought, when it also caused an improvement in the condition of the cows. A slight beneficial effect on fertility was noted throughout the experiment.3. Evidence was found that other nutritional factors were causing considerable variation and it is suggested that more attention should be given to improving the general level of nutrition of cattle during dry seasons.

Ammonium Hydroxide Treatment on Wheat Straw

“…Phosphorus content of forage decreases with maturity (Fraps and Fudge, 1945;Lampkin et al, 1961), and there is a positive correlation between crude protein and phosphorus content in plants (Hemingway, 1967). Shin (1976) summarized that phosphorus supplementation of diets for ruminant animals The rate of disappearance from rumen is a function of both rate of pa~sage and particle size (Mertens, 1973).…”

Variation in the mineral and crude-protein content of pastures at Muguga in the Kenya highlands

“…A mineral deficiency survey, in which Burdin & Howard (1956) determined the quantities of phosphorus, copper, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium present in nearly 1500 pasture samples showed that there were wide variations in their content and suggested the importance of studying in greater detail the effect of seasonal fluctuations. The opportunity was therefore taken to determine the crude-protein and mineral content of pasture samples that had been collected at Muguga in connexion with the experiments on the feeding of a phosphatic supplement to zebu cattle (Lampkin, Howard & Burdin, 1961). The results of the analyses are given in this paper.…”

Studies on the production of beef from zebu cattle in East Africa IV. Variation in blood haemoglobin and its response to the feeding of dicalcium phosphate

“…During the third peak of haemoglobin in July and August, however, no calvings were occurring and other variables were at random. This peak coincided with the normal season for the highest growth rates in the year (Lampkin et al 1961). Holman (1944) also found that, in sheep in Scotland, high haemoglobin levels were obtained during the summer months.…”