The Impact of herbal leys on the health and performance of grazing lambs

Herbal leys, also known as multi-species pastures, are characterised by a combination of grasses, legumes and herbs. In grazing systems, increasing the biodiversity of the sward is one possible strategy that could reduce the reliance on chemical anthelmintics, with legumes and herbs being rich in compounds with potential anthelmintic properties. It is believed that herbal leys could help to: 

  • reduce worm burdens in grazing lambs
  • maintain/improve liveweight gain
  • reduce the need for fertiliser input

This project, involving three farmers from Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, aims to assess the effect of using a herbal ley in comparison to a more conventional ryegrass and clover ley, in its effect on both daily liveweight gain and worm burdens of growing lambs. 

Project details

Funding amount:
£39,994
Funding source:
EIP
Area:
Carmarthenshire
Completion:

Contact:

Name:
Nigel Howells

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