The effects of Arctotheca calendula (capeweed) on digestive function of sheep

Pethick, D.W.ORCID: 0000-0002-3255-7677 and Chapman, H.M. (1991) The effects of Arctotheca calendula (capeweed) on digestive function of sheep. Australian Veterinary Journal, 68 (11). pp. 361-363.

Abstract

The effects of Arctotheca calendula (capeweed) on digestive function in the rumen, caecum and colon of sheep were studied. Three groups of 2-year-old Merino wethers were compared: 13 grazing capeweed-free pasture for 23 days; 8 fed 700 g of lucerne hay dally for 18 days, and 13 fed 6 kg of freshly cut capeweed (dry matter 11.3%) daily for 7 days. Capeweed did not cause diarrhoea and based on measurements of products of fermentation In the rumen, the plants were as nutritious as pasture containing grasses and clovers. The main disadvantage of capeweed in this single feeding trial was that sheep eating it lost body weight due to their inability, or lack of incentive, to consume enough dry matter.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation:	School of Veterinary Studies
Publisher:	Wiley-Blackwell
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/18759

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