An integrated herbage system for Southland and South Otago

Abstract

The intensive sheep farming systems in place in Southland and South Otago are not capturing the genetic potential of lamb growth rates. Growth rates of works lambs average 100-140 g/day post weaning - less than half their genetic potential. The major reason for low growth rates of lambs is the lack of adequate quality feed. Planting a range of herbage species, with the area in each pasture species balanced with its growth characteristics, can give a balanced supply of quantity and quality feed sufficient to meet the requirements of the animal system. This leads to more balanced matching of feed supply and demand, both within the four seasons of the year, and from year to year. Keywords lamb growth, alternative species, integrated herbage