Cattle Performance and Nutritive Value of Pastures on Swazi Nation Land

Pasture samples and animal data were collected from 3 areas representing the agro-ecological zones in Swaziland. The crude protein content (CP) was similar in all regions and there was no significant (P>0.05) difference in CP content between the wet and dry seasons. The overall mean dry matter yield for the Highveld (1.56 tons/ha) was significantly (P0.05) in magnesium content of the pasture among the regions. However, mean calcium levels were significantly (P0.05) difference between the Highveld and the Middleveld. The mean P content for the Middleveld (1.23 ppm) was significantly (P0.05) difference between the Highveld and the Lowveld. NDF content was significantly (P0.05) difference between the Middleveld and the Lowveld. Digestibility values were similar in all the regions. In all the regions both steers and heifers had a significantly (