The utilization of wheat grain and Hoop pine (Callitris columellaris) sawdust by Merino wethers

Abstract

Fourteen Merino wethers were held in individual metabolism crates and fed restricted rations of either wheat or wheat plus Hoop pine (Callitris columellaris) sawdust for 30 weeks. Studies of the pattern of ruminal fermentation on the two diets showed that the sawdust was not digested in the rumen. Liveweight changes of the two groups over 30 weeks were not significantly different from each other. The sheep whose ration included sawdust regularly ate all wheat offered whereas the wethers fed wheat only had periods of inappetence. The feeding behaviour of the two groups was reflected in survival rate as more of the sheep fed wheat plus sawdust survived than those fed wheat only.