The effect of sodium and sulphur supplements and the cyanide potential of Sorghum almum on the growth of Corriedale lambs in East Africa

Abstract

In 1975 Corriedale lambs, av. wt. 23 kg, were fed on S. almum (containing 0.14% S and 0.01 % Na) + 1.2 or 1.6 g S/day + 0 or 2.3 g Na/day + 0 or 1.95 g K/day. Another group were fed on Kikuyu grass/Bermuda grass + 0 or 2.3 g Na/day + 0 or 1.95 g K/day for 10 wk. Lambs given Na supplement gave an increased liveweight gain of 63% over those receiving no Na. Liveweight gain and wool growth were unaffected by S supplement. Liveweight gain was negatively related to CN potential of S. almum and the herbage CF content. The significance of the relationship to breeding programmes for forage sorghum is discussed.