Improved Capital Stock.
Lamb growth rates improve as goat to sheep ratio increases
R.J. TOWNSEND and J.E. RADCLIFFE
MAF Technology, Canterbury Agriculture and Science Centre, Lincoln, Canterbury
Abstract
Lambs were rotationally grazed with ewes in a ‘sheep only’ system and with low, medium, and high proportion of wether goats from October to March on dryland perennial ryegrass‐white clover pastures in Canterbury. Lambs grazed with ewes and goats until they were weaned; then they grazed ahead of other stock. Treatment ratios of adult stock on a per head basis were 3 ewes:1 goat (‘low goats’), 3 ewes : 2 goats (‘medium goats’) and 3 ewes:3 goats (‘high goats’).
The ewe:lamb ratio was 1:1.35 on all treatments. Lamb growth rates (g/day) were 152 for ‘sheep only’, and 169, 185 and 203 for low, medium and high goat treatments respectively. As each treatment lamb reached a draft weight, it was replaced by a lighter lamb for finishing. In comparison with the ‘sheep only’ treatment, an extra 1.6 lambs/ha were…
Cattle Systems
Experienced farmers we have spoken with about goats have been reinforcing the benefits they see from integrating goats into their farm systems.
What they say:
Goats complement sheep and beef farming systems.
Goats farmed for cashmere diversify their farming businesses.
For those who are new to goats and considering the advantages they may bring to their farming business and their unique farm system, we have collated three key farm system benefits and some of the science behind what experienced farmers are seeing.