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The Mineral Status of Soil, Forage and Cattle Tissues in the Middleveld of Swaziland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

B. H. Ogwang
B. H. Ogwang
Affiliation:
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Swaziland, PO Luyengo, Swaziland
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Summary

The mineral status of soil, native forage and cattle tissues in the Swaziland middleveld was investigated during the dry and wet seasons of 1985/86. In relation to beef cattle requirements, forage Mg, P, Na, Cu, Zn and crude protein were deficient during both seasons and K was low during the dry season. Cattle serum and liver samples were generally low or deficient in P, Zn, Cu and Mn, while their Fe content was in excess of normal requirements. The forage, liver and serum analyses indicate that cattle in the middleveld are likely to require supplementary Na, K, Cu, Zn, Mn and crude protein, but Ca, Mg and Fe levels appear to be adequate.

Type
Research Article
Information
Experimental Agriculture , Volume 24 , Issue 2 , April 1988 , pp. 177 - 182
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

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