A possible technique for the determination of browse utilization, without any prior measurements, is described. A high correlation (r = 0,8563) exists between twig diameter and total twig mass (twig plus leaf mass) of Portulacaria afra. A grazing experiment was conducted to determine whether this twig diameter : total twig mass relationship could be used to estimate differences in utilization of Portulacaria afra from post?browsing measurements of twig diameter and total twig mass and to determine pre?browsing total twig mass from twig diameter by the regression Y= ? 49,50134 + 62,30726 x Percentage utilization is calculated as follows:
P = (CTTM-TTM)/CTTM X (100/1)
where P = percentage utilization
CTTM = calculated pre?browsing total twig mass
TTM = average post?browsing total twig mass
These results are encouraging and indicate that this method of determining browse utilization holds promise.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.