The use of faecal analyses to estimate the phosphorus intake by grazing sheep. II. The repeatibility of the technique and the influence of varying the phosphorus intake.

Abstract

Fifty sheep received a pelleted ration containing between 0,31 and 0,38% phosphorus. Pooled faecal samples, composed of 3 faecal pellets from 30 randomly selected sheep, were taken on 15 occasions during 23 days. The faecal phosphorus levels of the 15 pooled samples were remarkably constant with a mean of 0,94% and a coefficient of variation of 6,38%. However, when the animals the faecal phosphorus levels above and below the limits set in the repeatabilty trial. There was also a rise in faecal phosphorus when the total food intake was halved. The faecal samples were also analysed for calcium and magnesium.