Growth and chemical composition of chicory and performance of lambs grazing chicory relative to grass–clover mixtures

Abstract

We report results from trials on chicory growth (experiment 1) and lamb growth on chicory (experiment 2). In experiment 1, we assessed yield and chemical composition on swards established under organic conditions as perennial ryegrass/red clover, perennial ryegrass/chicory, chicory/red clover (CHRC), pure perennial ryegrass (RG-alone) and pure chicory (CHalone) over two years. Chicory/red clover and CH-alone showed improved crude protein, Ca, Mg, P, Cu and net energy contents compared to other mixtures. However, dry matter yield was the lowest for CHRC and CH-alone compared to others. In experiment 2, 48 weaned lambs grazed swards sown as chicory alone (CHA), chicory-grass-clover mix (CGC) or grass-clover mix (GCM) for 45 days. Lamb body weight (BW) gain and final BW were higher on CHA and CGC than on GCM. The results suggest that chicory can complement conventional grass/clover swards especially in macro-and micronutrients for improved lamb growth with a proper grazing management in place.

Nutritional qualities, chemical compositions, and yield of chicory genotypes

“…Neutral detergent fiber was 435 g kg −1 and ADF was 298 g kg −1 in study by Kidane et al. () in chicory at the vegetative growth stage.…”

“…Low levels of NDF and ADF of chicory in the first year suggests the need for some supplemental forage in livestock ration to decrease the negative effects of low fiber levels and to support good rumen health and performance. Neutral detergent fiber was 435 g kg −1 and ADF was 298 g kg −1 in study by Kidane et al (2015) in chicory at the vegetative growth stage.…”

“…As Kidane et al. () stated, at the vegetative growth stage, macronutrients in chicory included 9.70 g kg −1 Ca, 3.85 g kg −1 P, 5.30 g kg −1 Na, 2.45 g kg −1 Mg, and 22.9 g kg −1 K. Sanderson et al. () reported that P varied from 3.85–4.65 g kg −1 ; K varied from 28–34 g kg −1 ; Ca varied from 18.5–20.5 g kg −1 ; and Mg ranged from 4.1–4.9 g kg −1 between three chicory cultivars.…”

“…Kidane et al. () reported that micronutrients in chicory at the vegetative growth stage included 54.7 mg kg −1 Zn, 9. 5 mg kg −1 Cu, and 121.8 mg kg −1 Mn.…”

“…While evaluating chicory cultivars in a grazing experiment, Labreveux, Sanderson, and Hall (2006) noted that the average CP of cultivars varied from 180-200 g kg −1 . Also, CP content of chicory at the vegetative growth stage averaged 187 g kg −1 in studies by Crush and Evans (1990), 222 g kg −1 by Niezen et al (1993), 183 g kg −1 by Volesky (1996), and 115 g kg −1 by Kidane, Sørheim, Eik, and Steinshamn (2015). Jung et al (1996) reported that mean CP concentration in chicory was 200 g kg −1 at rosette stage, and indicated that CP concentration in chicory decreases with floral stem production.…”