Forage Production and Grazing Management of Chicory

Abstract

'Grasslands Puna' chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a perennial cool-season herb developed as a forage in New Zealand. The objective of this study was to evaluate forage production potential and rotational grazing strategies for chicory grown in central Oklahoma. Pastures were established on two soil types and grazed for 2 yr with 3 rotational strategies described as fast (13 d rest periods), moderate (27 d rest periods), and slow (38 d rest periods). Chicory plant density during the seeding year was higher on a silt loam (4.5 plants/sq ft) than on a silty clay loam soil (2.2 plants/sq ft; P < 0.05). By the second year, however, natural reseeding resulted in equally dense stands on both soil types (4.3 plants/sq ft). Moderate and slow rotational grazing resulted in significantly greater (P < 0.05) amounts of harvested forage (7050 Iblacre) compared with the fast rotational treatment (5890 Iblacre). Fewer chicory plants bolted under the fast rotation; however, it is likely that this treatment did not allow adequate time for substantial leaf area accumulation and regrowth. Crude protein (CP) content of chicory averaged 18.3% and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) averaged 70.9%. Chicory appears to have potential as a productive and high quality cool-season forage crop in Oklahoma.