Comparison of a Plantain-Chicory Mixture with a Grass Permanent Sward on the Live Weight Gain and Meat Quality of Lambs

摘要

In southern Chile, lamb production systems are based on the grazing of temperate swards. During late spring and early summer, grass-based swards can display herbage with suboptimal growth and quality, reducing lamb production. Plantain and chicory are alternative herbages that improve animal performance, especially in periods with a risk of water deficits. This study was carried out during late spring, to evaluate live weight gain and meat quality in lambs grazing on plantain-chicory sward or grass-based permanent sward. The results show that lambs fed with herbs (plantain-chicory) have a similar final live weight, carcass weight and meat quality to those fed with grass. Plantain and chicory swards are good form of alternative herbage for finishing lambs in late spring to maintain the performance of the animals.