Chicory trials show weight gain for lambs
Last updated 13:39, Thursday, 08 May 2008
RESEARCHERS at the University of Cumbria claim to have boosted growth rates of lambs by adding chicory to grassland near Penrith.
Farmers have been invited to see the results of the herb trial for themselves at an open day next week. Chicory could even save them money as feed prices continue to soar.
The average weight of chicory-fed lambs at the Newton Rigg campus was half a kilo higher than lambs put onto regular pasture. Ewes also did much better on chicory grassland. While 53 per cent of lambs on the chicory were finished, only 18 per cent on the grass-only were finished.
David Woodcock, rural estates manager at the campus, said the trials in June and July last year had been encouraging.
He said: “Chicory established well in the grass sward, over-wintered well and lambs grazing the fields finished off very well. At a time when livestock farmers are cutting costs, the addition of chicory to the seed mix has the potential for valuable economic gains.”
A total of 14.5 acres of grass and chicory leys was planted in the autumn of 2006 and 2007. The original ‘wild-type’ variety of chicory was ruled out as a forage crop due to poor productivity.
Chicory type Puna II was used because of its high yields of palatable and nutritious fodder and its drought-resistance thanks to its deep tap root. This characteristic is likely to become increasingly important for pasture-based systems as climate change alters rainfall patterns. It is suitable for finishing lambs and evidence suggests, it reduces the worm uptake in sheep while also providing high-quality fodder for cattle.
Chicory is used in many countries as a forage crop. Production of seven to nine tonnes per acre is common for pure chicory stands for the first two to three years under grazing conditions. It can complement conventional pastures which have poor feed quality.
A flock of 36 North Country mule ewes and their Texel-cross lambs were used in the trial. Half were put on the chicory plot and half on a grass-only plot. They were allowed to graze for a month.
An open day for farmers and livestock producers, Better Returns from Chicory, will be held on Tuesday at 10am in the Caldbeck Room at the Newton Rigg campus, near Penrith. Registration is free and includes lunch and a tour of the chicory pastures. Phone Hellen or Sandra on 0870 609 1840 to book.
