This week’s OviCast is joined by post-graduate student Lisa McGrane and Dr Philip Creighton to discuss some of the results of an ongoing study between Teagasc and UCD examining how companion forages – chicory, plantain, red and white clover - perform alongside a perennial ryegrass sward in sheep systems. 

With four years data collected, Lisa discusses what impact these forages have had on ewe and lamb performance before moving on to discuss the impact of this on drafting, concentrate supplementation and carcass spec. 

Keeping some of these forages in the sward can prove challenging, and Philip explains this in more detail as well as some of the aspects they are examining that may help improve persistency. 

Finally with the upcoming technical open day in the Athenry Research Centre looming Philip highlights how this is an ideal opportunity to hear more about Lisa’s work and the other ongoing studies in Teagasc.

To find out more about the upcoming sheep open day why not watch the following short clip: 

https://youtu.be/2mL4AqygOso

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast