An evaluation of sulla (Hedysarum coronarium) with
pasture, white clover and lucerne for lambs
J.L. BURKE, G.C.WAGHORN AND I.M. BROOKES
AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11 008,
Palmerston North.
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NZSAP 2002 Abstract No. 39
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 62:
152-156
Pasture-based diets restrict animal performance, due to
limitations in voluntary feed intake and release of nutrients during
digestion failing to meet nutrient requirements. Opportunities for
improving the efficiency of pasture utilisation include the addition of
a soluble carbohydrate source to enable an improved capture of ammonia
by rumen bacteria, or the inclusion of condensed tannins (CT) to reduce
protein degradation. A feed evaluation trial was conducted at AgResearch
Grasslands to investigate the ability of sulla, a forage containing high
concentrations of soluble carbohydrate and CT, to complement pasture and
legume species. Fifty-six weaned ram lambs were allocated to seven
diets: pasture (80% ryegrass and 20% white clover), white clover,
lucerne, sulla, and 50:50 mixtures (DM basis) of pasture:sulla, white
clover:sulla and lucerne:sulla. Lambs fed sulla, white clover, white
clover:sulla and lucerne:sulla had the most rapid daily gains (256-263
g/day) while lambs fed pasture gained 105 g/day, respectively. Wool
growth was influenced by diet. Sulla added to pasture, white clover and
lucerne diets significantly reduced rumen ammonia concentrations and
acetate:propionate ratios in lambs. Lamb performance can be improved by
combining sulla with pasture and lucerne, and rumen parameters can be
used to explain animal performance differences.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
sulla; forages; lamb performance; rumen parameters
Last Updated 30/07/2002
