Forage Chicory Use in Rotational Grazing of Sheep to Reduce Intestinal Worms, Reduce Grain Supplementation, And Maximize Growth

Forage Chicory Use in Rotational Grazing of Sheep to Reduce Intestinal Worms, Reduce Grain Supplementation, And Maximize Growth

Summary

A summary of attempts to establish a stand of chicory to date for report.

Plantede chicory seed on 1 pasture. Rotated between 2 other pastures that have had the chance to grow, keeping the sheep grazing beyond the reach of the parisites. This is to see if parisites can be significantly reduced and controlled and reducing the need of chemical wormers and feeding. Hence increase lamb growth & yields.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Old McCaskill's Farm is proposing planting a pasture of chicory for rotational grazing by its flock. Forage chicory is a broad leaf semi-perennial that will re-grow for 3-5 years.

This study would determine if rotational chicory forage lowers worm burden and increases weight gain as effectively as chicory as a single source of food for finishing. As chicory has to be replanted every 3-5 years from seed the rotational grazing would lower the amount of chicory pasture needed thus lowering the cost of seed and planting from that of the single large pasture of chicory as in the Clemson study.

It would also increase cost effectiveness if the farm is able to eliminate high doses of ineffective dewormers and avoid supplemental non-organic grain.

This on farm trial would not be financially possible without supplemental funding.

Instead of repeating the Clemson study and feeding exclusively chicory throughout the season, the Old McCaskill's Farm pasture in question would be added into the current rotational grazing of the flock. If the Chicory is planted this fall/winter(2009) it will be ready for grazing by early summer 2010. The flock would be rotated for 2-3 weeks each on three pastures: A bahia pasture (A), the chicory pasture (B), and then an additional bahia pasture (C). The rotation would proceed as follows A-B-C-B-A-B-C-B etc. The exact timing of grazing is determined by the height of the grass or chicory being grazed. The larva live on the first 4 inches of grass, therefore the pastures are not grazed to below this level. The farm would propose to run fecal exams and evaluate body condition on the entire flock monthly starting in the spring and continuing through out the summer and fall.

When the flock is evaluated monthly the farmer accompanied by 2 assistants collects the sheep, evaluates the eyes via the FAMACHA protocol for anemia caused by the parasites, gathers a fecal sample and evaluates the body condition score (BCS) for each animal in the flock. This is time consuming for the farmer. On average it takes 4 hours for the farmer and assistants to collect the samples and evaluate the flock. The fecal samples, run on the farm for rapid results, take an additional 3 hours with the assistance of a veterinarian. In essence, one entire day per month will be devoted to the study during the spring, summer and fall months.

Improving FAMACHA scores and reduced number of eggs on fecal exams will demonstrate if the chicory rotational grazing reduces the worm burden. If during the study the flock does not require deworming via traditional dewormers the farm will benefit financially. Furthermore, higher BCS without additional grain supplementation will demonstrate improved financial benefit for the farm. Eliminating the outside grain purchasing will also improve the sustainability of Old McCaskill's Farm. The farm will also be able to re-label the lamb as “grass finished” thus adding value to the product.

The process can then be repeated and refined the next year. Depending on the previous year's results the grazing times may need to be modified, or an additional pasture may need to be planted in chicory in the fall of 2010.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Over the period of 2 years, soil tests were taken & evaluated by Clemson University; turkey manuare & fertilizer were spread accordingly and chicory seed was grain drilled in. Also consulted forage specialist and was advised as to how & when to plant. This was done. Fecals were taken by a vet and recorded for bench mark.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Results were disppointing. Both attempts failed. Very little chicory seed sprouted and established plants. The sheep did seem to seek & eat the plants that did grow. But not near enough to rotate or see any difference in fecals.

Would like to attempt once again on different pastures that can be plowed to see if the chicory seed would establish better.