Eating rate by sheep of mature, dry subterranean clovers

摘要

Eating rate by sheep differs among cultivars of subterranean clover in the vegetative stage of growth (Dynes et al, 1993, Proc N Z Soc Anim. Prod, 53, 7-9). Bite weight (g DM/bite) was negatively associated with eating rate, and bite rate (bites/min)increased linearly as the ratio of leaf to petiole increased. In short-term tests of eating rate the numbers of bites made in the first and second minutes were similar, but as the clovers matured the numbers of bites made in the second minute were progressively fewer than the numbers made in the first minute (Wang et al, 1994, Proc Aust Soc Anim Prod, 20, 422). This suggests that as plants mature eating rate may be limited by plant characters. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between eating rate and morphological, physical or chemical characters of mature, dry subterranean clovers.