Evaluation of Nutrient Composition in Feed Supplements Used by Communal Beef Farmers During the Dry Season in Ga-Matlala, Limpopo Province

This study assessed the nutrient composition of feed supplements commonly used by communal beef cattle farmers during the dry season in Limpopo Province of South Africa. A total of seven feed supplements, such as lucerne hay, maize stover, salt licks, calf grower, calf milk replacer, cattle feed pellets, and soybean meal, were sampled and analysed for proximate composition and mineral content. Soybean meal showed the highest crude protein content (35.32%), while salt licks had the highest ash content (99.29%), and calf milk replacer had the highest fat content (15.81%).  Moisture content was highest in complete calf grower (9.2%), followed by cattle feed pellets (7.43%). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations were highest in maize stover (56.31%), cattle feed pellets (42.52%), and lucerne hay (32.10%). Acid detergent fiber (ADF) content was also higher in maize stover (33.58%) and cattle feed pellets (30.65%). The measured mineral concentrations were evaluated against the nutritional requirements of beef cattle. Calf milk replacer (1.31%), maize stover (1.13%), and lucerne hay (1.08%) contained appropriate calcium concentrations. Lucerne hay had the highest potassium concentration (1.85%), above that of cattle feed pellets (1.67%), calf milk replacer (1.60%), and complete calf grower (1.01%). Magnesium (Mg) was most abundant in maize stover (0.54%), while sodium (Na) was markedly higher in salt licks (51.56%). Phosphorus (P) content was higher in calf milk replacer (0.56%) than in complete calf grower (0.49%). Results also showed that complete calf grower contained the highest copper concentration (19 ppm), while maize stover (565 ppm), cattle feed pellets (504 ppm), and complete calf grower (469 ppm) had elevated concentration of iron (Fe). Manganese (Mn) (101 ppm) and zinc (Zn) (142 ppm) concentrations were also highest in the complete calf grower. Overall, the findings indicate that communal beef farmers used feed supplements that generally met key nutrient and mineral requirements. However, Mg and fat concentrations were found to be excessive in some supplements, whereas concentrations of ADF, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were inadequate in certain feedstuffs.