Mineral Supplementation of Cattle Grazing Improved Pastures in the Thai Highlands

Abstract

The estimated liveweight gains of cattle grazing an improved pasture based on Desmodium intortum while receiving a mineral supplement were compared with the liveweight gains of cattle not receiving a supplement. Liveweight gains of cattle on the two treatments did not vary significantly over 1 year, and the liveweight gains recorded of 108 g hd-1 day-1 for a mixed herd and 230 g hd-1 day-1 for young stock over 1 year are suggested to be suitable for use in development-planning budgets.