Lamb Production from Rainfed Meadows Based on Alfalfa as Cereal Alternative in Central Spain
Gonzalez, T, Alegre, J
UKnowledge (University of Kentucky)
Abstract
Previous work (Gonzalez and Alegre, 1988) showed that rainfed- meadows based on lucerne could be a feasible alternative to cereal in the Central area of Spain, as their potentiality was interesting. On the other hand, the lamb finishing out to pasture has problems due to its low growth rate (Gibb et al., 1981), and they are more accentuated for twins or when the offer of pasture is low. Therefore, the aim of this work has been to obtain information about the rainfed meadows potential based on lucerne for lamb meat - production as it may be an alternative to cereal in Central Spain, besides to compare two lamb finishing systems together with their mothers, out to pasture or inside with feed after a grazing period as help to a high stocking rate system in spring.