Abstract

There is strong evidence that sheep show a preference for some plant species over others (Parsons et al.,1994; Concha & Nicol, 2000; Foster et al., 2002; Rutter, 2006; Corkran, 2009). Differences among ruminant species in forage selectivity, offers a unique opportunity to manipulate utilization of pastures. Recently, increased milk yields and higher weaning weights of lambs have been shown to occur, when grazing a mixed herb sward containing chicory (Cichorium intybus), red and white clover (Trifolium pratenseand T. repens) and plantain (Plantago lanceolata) (Golding, 2008).

SJ, Pain, PG Hutton, PR Kenyon, ST Morris, and PD Kemp

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 70, Palmerston North, 285-287, 2010