Growth performance and carcass characteristics of lambs grazing forage mixes inclusive of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)

•Lambs grew faster in summer on plantain and chicory based pastures than on ryegrass and white clover pasture.•Lamb dressing out percentage at slaughter was greater on plantain and chicory based pastures than on ryegrass and white clover pasture.•Combinations of plantain and chicory with white and red clovers are recommended for lamb finishing in summer.

Individually summer active herbs such as plantain, chicory and red clover are known to enhance lamb production. However, there is sparse information available when these are used in a mix. Two experiments were conducted over two consecutive summer periods with three herbage treatments, ‘Pasture mix’ perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivar One50 and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) cultivar Bounty; ‘Plantain mix’ plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) cultivar Ceres Tonic, white clover and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) cultivar Sensation; ‘Chicory mix’ plantain, chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) cultivar Puna II, white and red clovers, to determine impacts on lamb production performances. Lamb live weights, carcass weights and GR soft tissue depth were measured. Both Plantain mix and Chicory mix lambs had greater (P < 0.05) live weight gains and were heavier (P < 0.05) at slaughter and displayed greater (P < 0.05) carcass weights and dressing-out percentages compared to the Pasture mix lambs. Both Plantain mix and Chicory mix lambs had lower (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratios than the Pasture mix lambs. Therefore, these results indicate that the farmers can utilise herb/legume mixes comprising of plantain and/or chicory, white and red clovers to improve lamb production in comparison to the ryegrass/white clover sward during the summer period.