Publication Date

1997

Description

The mineral contents (Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) of white clover grass without nitrogen and grass-only pastures with annual nitrogen rates of 0, 120 and 250 kg ha-1 were studied in 1994 and 1995. The pastures were grazed twice per season by growing lambs. The white clover contents averaged 25% and 42%, respectively. The Ca and Mg contents and the Ca/P ratio were higher, and the K/(Ca+Mg) equivalent ratio lower in white clover grass than in grass-only swards. The P content of white clover grass was similar to that of grass, and the K content increased with increasing N fertilization. The Cu content did not differ between pastures, and it was higher than recommended (5.1 mg kg-1 DM) in all pastures. Nevertheless, no health problems (copper toxicosis, grass tetany) were observed in grazing lambs.

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Mineral Contents of White Clover Grass and Nitrogen Fertilized Grass Pastures for Lambs

The mineral contents (Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) of white clover grass without nitrogen and grass-only pastures with annual nitrogen rates of 0, 120 and 250 kg ha-1 were studied in 1994 and 1995. The pastures were grazed twice per season by growing lambs. The white clover contents averaged 25% and 42%, respectively. The Ca and Mg contents and the Ca/P ratio were higher, and the K/(Ca+Mg) equivalent ratio lower in white clover grass than in grass-only swards. The P content of white clover grass was similar to that of grass, and the K content increased with increasing N fertilization. The Cu content did not differ between pastures, and it was higher than recommended (5.1 mg kg-1 DM) in all pastures. Nevertheless, no health problems (copper toxicosis, grass tetany) were observed in grazing lambs.