The objective was to establish whether reliable intake and digestibility estimates could be obtained under range conditions using n-alkanes. Goats both browse and graze, which makes the use of n- alkanes to estimate intake problematic since the technique was developed for use on pure pastures. Under range conditions a multi -species situation exists, with different alkane profiles within and between the bush and grass components. Five goats from two stocking rates (8 and 24 goats/ha) were used to estimate intake and digestibility during March 1994 using alkanes as indigestible internal markers, and C37 as an external marker. N- alkanes yielded acceptable estimates of intake and digestibility. The technique needs further verification, but shows promise.
September 24-27, 1996
Port Augusta, South Australia
ISSN 1323-6660
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.