Management of Galega officinalis L. and preliminary results on its potential for milk production improvement in sheep

摘要

Abstract Galega officinalis L. is a leguminous perennial herb that presents a demonstrated lac‐togenic effect. However, it is toxic to the ewe if it is eaten in substantial amounts, due to the presence of some alkaloids. The objective of this work was i) to optimise its management on Mediterranean‐type climate regions, and ii) to determine if controlled amounts of G. officinalis could increase milk yield in “Churra” ewes, without toxicity problems. The high level of specificity of the infective rhizobia makes it necessary to inoculate plants with selected strains, prior to the cultivation of G. officinalis. The optimum stand was 160 000 plants ha?1 obtained after broadcast autumn sowing, which in Mediterranean‐type climatic conditions increased yield in the first cutting year. Optimum cutting height was between 6 and 10 cm above ground level. The maximum yield was 13 t dry matter ha?1 in the first year, and 10 in the second year which allowed five cuttings per year before flowering. This avoids an increas...