Benutting van Kochia brevifolia deur skape

Abstract

Uittreksel

Verskillende aspekte van die benutting en smaaklikheid (aanneemlikheid) van die droogtevoergewas, Kochia brevifolia, is ondersoek met Merino‐ en Dorperhamels.

Die gewas is nie gretiglik deur die skape gevreet nie, maar is ongeveer 90% benutbaar. ‘n Tempo van inname van gemiddeld 3,6 kg vars materiaal per skaap per dag en ‘n weikapasiteit van 2 970 skaapweidings‐dae (24 uur) per hektaar is verkry met ‘n plantpatroon van 90 cm × 150 cm. Na beweiding het die plante met ongeveer 60% in gewig herstel binne nege maande onder droë toestande. ‘n Eensydige dieët van die plant het geen nadelige uitwerking op die skape, wolproduksie en kwaliteit, of liggaamsgewig gehad nie.

Onder die opvallendste verskille tussen die beweiding van Merino's en Dorpers was die gedeelte‐like ontbassing van dik stamme en die uitvieet van plantkrone deur die Merino's.

Waterinname per skaap het gewissel van 1,5 tot 9,4 liter per skaap per 24 uur.

Beweiding veroorsaak ‘n vermindering in die aantal gevestigde saailinge.

K. brevifolia word aanbeveel vir aanplanting, in plantasievorm, as droogtevoer‐ en droogteby‐standsgewas in lae reënvalgebiede in Suid‐Afrika.

Abstract

Aspects of the utilization and palatability (acceptability) of the drought fodder, Kochia brevifolia, were investigated, using Merino and Dorper wethers.

The plant is not readily eaten by sheep, but wets approximately 90% utilizable. An average ingestion rate of 3,6 kg fresh material per sheep per day was obtained, and a grazing capacity of 2 970 sheep grazing days (24 hours) per hectare, with a plant es pacement of 90 cm × 150 cm. After grazing the plants recovered under dry conditions to approximately 60% of their erstwhile bulk within 9 months. An unvaried diet of the plant had no ill effects on the sheep, wool production and quality, or live‐weight.

Among the conspicuous differences between the grazing habits of Merinos and Dorpers, were the partial debarking of thick stems and the severe grazing of the crown bases by the Merinos. Water intake per sheep per day varied from 1,5 to 9,4 litres. Grazing resulted in fewer established seedlings.

K. brevifolia is recommended for planting in plantation form as a drought fodder and reserve in low rainfall areas in South Africa.