Maximising grazed grass in the diet of the ewe for mid-season lamb production.

Abstract

A trial was conducted at the Knockbeg Sheep Unit, Co. Carlow over the years 1998/99 and 1999/00 with objectives centred on maximising the role of grazed grass in the diet of the ewe by accumulating autumn pasture and carrying it forward for winter grazing. Using a farmlet system approach, two systems of mid season lamb production, intensive and extensive, were compared for ewe productivity, lamb performance, carcass output per ha and associated management inputs. The stocking rates chosen for the two systems were: (1) 13 ewes per ha including silage conservation and housing for a 100-day winter and, (2) 10 ewes per ha with extended grazing in winter.