|
|
|
Saltbush benefits for sheep and farmers
17 Aug 2004
WA salinity and meat researchers have identified a major nutritional benefit for sheep grazed on saltbush, which is being used to reduce dryland salinity levels. The study revealed high vitamin E levels in the meat of sheep grazed on the plant. Low vitamin E levels in dry summer feed can lead to nutritional myopathy in sheep, so farmers have to use synthetic vitamin E supplements.
A CSIRO Livestock Industries study that grazing hoggets on saltbush, supplemented with barley, resulted in a boost in vitamin E content of the meat from 2.5 to 6.5 mg/kg. Such high levels would protect sheep from nutritional myopathy.
Researchers also found that meat from saltbush-grazed sheep retains a fresh red colour for much longer than meat from similar sheep grazing dry stubble with a barley supplement. This finding has the potential to improve the retail shelf life of the meat.
CSIRO Media Release, 16/8/04.
|
|
