The botanical analysis of sheep diet: a comparison of three methods of sheep diet determination and the field application of faecal cuticle analysis

Abstract

Three methods of sheep diet determination were compared at Brooksdale Station during one time of the year under conditions of declining herbage availability.

Improved methods for establishing and maintaining oesophageal fistulae in free ranging sheep were developed as were techniques for preparing and analysing the botanical content of oesophageal extrusa and faecal cuticle. The specialized application of visual determinations of defoliation by grazing was also studied.

Dietary analysis was incorporated with observational studies of the distribution and grazing behaviour of experimental animals grazing semi improved short tussock grasslands typical of the sub humid sector of Central Canterbury mid altitude hill and high country.

Concurrently with this major study, improved methods of faecal cuticle preparation and analysis were used at Coopers Creek for determinations of sheep diet on improved hill pasture of different aspect throughout the pasture growing season.