THE USE OF GRAZING‐ANIMAL OBSERVATIONS IN THE EARLY STAGES OF PASTURE EVALUATION IN THE TROPICS

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
An observational technique for measuring pasture palatability is described in which a palatability index is constructed to indicate the species selected by stock under specified conditions of choice. The index differentiates these species from others that stock are prepared to eat when opportunities for selection are more limited. The potential usefulness of this index in the initial testing of tropical pasture species is discussed.Results are reported from two 3‐year experiments where the method was used. Coefficients of variationin individualgrazingsranged from 13·5 to 22·2% with experimental meansof 19·2 and 18·3%. Hyparrhenia rufa and Cenchrus ciliaris were found to be the m6st consistently palatable of the grasses offered.