Herb-clover mixes increase lamb live weight gain and carcass weight in the autumn period

Abstract

Two experiments were carried out in two consecutive autumns to examine whether herb-clover mixes would improve lamb production compared with a ryegrass-based pasture. The three herbage treatments were: (1) ‘pasture mix’—perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens); (2) ‘plantain mix’—plantain (Plantago lanceolata), white clover and red clover (Trifolium pratense); (3) ‘chicory mix’—plantain, chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), white and red clover. Individual lamb live weight gain, final lamb live weights, carcass weights and GR tissue depths were greater (P < 0.05) in both of the herb-clover mixes in both experiments compared with the pasture mix. However, environmental conditions in the second year resulted in lower stocking rates on the plantain mix. This result suggests that in a dry environment, of the three mixes examined, the chicory mix is the best option for finishing lambs in the autumn.