Publication Date
1993
Description
Initial findings of a farm let study comparing biological (agrochemical free) and conventional sheep and beef production are presented and discussed. Little difference was found in sheep production between the two systems in 1991-92, despite large differences in the level of internal parasitism, particularly in young sheep. In contrast! growth rates of rising 1 year steers and heifers on the conventional unit were superior to those of the biological farmlet throughout spring and summer of the first year. While a reduction in the use of anthelmintic drench would have little impact on the productivity of sheep systems, the productivity of cattle systems would be significantly reduced.
Citation
Mackay, A D.; Gray, D I.; Brookes, I M.; Budding, P J.; and Devantier, B, "System Research: Preliminary Results from a Farmlet Comparison Between a Biological and Conventional Sheep and Beef System" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 20.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session37/20
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
System Research: Preliminary Results from a Farmlet Comparison Between a Biological and Conventional Sheep and Beef System
Initial findings of a farm let study comparing biological (agrochemical free) and conventional sheep and beef production are presented and discussed. Little difference was found in sheep production between the two systems in 1991-92, despite large differences in the level of internal parasitism, particularly in young sheep. In contrast! growth rates of rising 1 year steers and heifers on the conventional unit were superior to those of the biological farmlet throughout spring and summer of the first year. While a reduction in the use of anthelmintic drench would have little impact on the productivity of sheep systems, the productivity of cattle systems would be significantly reduced.
