From the PrefaceThe objective of this book is to review the basic knowledge and methodology of feeding grazing ruminants in tropical and semitropical countries. It is hoped this information will be of use to farmers, research specialists, teachers, students, extension specialists, feed manufacturers, and others throughout the world concerned with the nutrition of grazing ruminants. A unique feature is the identification of nutritional limitations of grazing ruminants in the tropics, which will be beneficial for increasing animal production efficiency through the application of improved nutrition. A large number of photographs illustrate nutritional deficiencies and conditions in tropical countries.This book contains 18 chapters concerned with the nutrition of grazing ruminants. The first chapter deals with the contributions, locations, and various types of ruminants and their importance to human welfare in the tropics and subtropics. Chapters 2 - 4 progress through nutrient requirements of grazing ruminants in warm climates, the effects of tropical heat on these requirements, and water requirements for ruminant species. Chapters 5 - 7 discuss grass and legume forage species suitable for tropical regions, pasture management procedures, and energy-protein supplementation programs needed during the extensive dry periods. The importance of tropical forages and soils toward meeting mineral requirements is discussed in Chapter 8. Chapters 9 -14 contain concise, up-to-date summaries of minerals emphasizing mineral status, incidence of mineral deficiencies and excesses in tropical regions, and benefits and methods of mineral supplementation for grazing ruminants are discussed in Chapters 15 - 17. Chapter 18 reviews vitamin nutrition considerations for ruminants consuming tropical forages.

"This is a comprehensive scholarly reference based largely on New Zealand research. Twenty two chapters describe the macro- and trace elements most important to the health and production of ruminants. Data from many field trials and laboratory studies are summarised in a clear and concise format. That information underpins recommendations about the diagnostic and supplementation strategies best suited to identify, treat and prevent mineral deficiencies."--NZSAP Web site.

Nutrient Requirements of Domesticated Ruminants draws on the most up-to-date research on the energy, protein, mineral, vitamin and water requirements of beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goats. It defines the responses of animals, in weight change, milk production and wool growth, to quantitative and qualitative changes in their feed supply. It has particular application to grazing animals. Factors affecting the intake of feed are taken into account and recommendations are given according to the production systems being used; for instance, the feed intake of a grazing animal is affected by a larger number of variables than a housed animal. Examples of the estimation of the energy and nutrients required for the different production systems are given, as well as the production expected from predicted feed intakes. The interactions between the grazing animal, the pasture and any supplementary feeds are complex, involving herbage availability, diet selection and substitution. To facilitate the application of these recommendations to particular grazing situations, readers are directed to decision support tools and spreadsheet programs. Nutrient Requirements of Domesticated Ruminants is based on the benchmark publication, Feeding Standards for Australian Livestock: Ruminants, published in 1990 by CSIRO PUBLISHING on behalf of the Standing Committee on Agriculture. It provides comprehensive and useful information for graziers, livestock advisors, veterinarians, feed manufacturers and animal nutrition researchers. The recommendations described are equally applicable to animals in feedlots or drought yards.