The Effect of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilization on Chemical Content of Sheep Diets

Abstract

Sixteen mixed breed sheep, 1-2 years old and fitted with esophageal fistulas, were allotted at random to four range pastures in southeastern South Dakota. Two of the pastures (4.9 and 5.3 ha) were treated with 67.2 kg of N, 33.6 kg of P, and 89.7 of K/ha, whereas the other two pastures (6.9 and 7.3 ha) received no fertilizer treatment. Esophageal extruded samples were collected at two time periods (June-July and August) from all animals in the four pastures. Ash, N, cellulose and energy content were determined on all extruded samples. Fertilizer treatment had no significant effect on the nutritive content of the diet selected by the sheep. However, time of collection had significant effects on the protein and energy content of the diet selected. A significant fertilizer-collection period interaction was observed for percentage of ash.