The use of faecal analyses to estimate the phosphorus intake by grazing sheep. II. The repeatibility of the technique and the influence of varying the phosphorus intake.

Fifty sheep received a pelleted ration containing between 0,31 and 0,38% phosphorus. Pooled faecal samples, composed of 3 faecal pellets from 30 randomly selected sheep, were taken on 15 occasions during 23 days. The faecal phosphorus levels of the 15 pooled samples were remarkably constant with a mean of 0,94% and a coefficient of variation of 6,38%. However, when the animals the faecal phosphorus levels above and below the limits set in the repeatabilty trial. There was also a rise in faecal phosphorus when the total food intake was halved. The faecal samples were also analysed for calcium and magnesium.