Optimising Livestock Mineral Provision Through Grazing Practices – Chicory and Lamb Growth Rates
Chicory has been used in animal diets for hundreds of years and is now a well-established component of grazing systems for livestock. As a species included in herbal leys, more farmers are recognising the benefits that chicory can bring to lamb growth rates. Highly palatable and rich in protein, chicory has a deep taproot that allows it to access minerals and nutrients from deeper in the soil profile, making these available to grazing livestock. It can also support resilience against intestinal parasites while maintaining good productivity during periods of dry weather, particularly topical with the long, hot summer of 2026. This article will focus specifically on chicory’s role in mineral provision and how this can benefit growing lambs.
Plant Characteristics and Soil Health
A forage herb with great penetrative capacity, able to break through plough pans. The deep taproot of chicory (30 to 50cm or significantly longer if managed correctly), enables the plant to access subsoil nutrient reserves more than most grasses, leading to increased accumulation of macro and micronutrient concentrations. The deep taproot also acts to encourage soil aeration, improving drainage and wider root development, further benefitting the rest of the pasture.
Chicory and Lamb Growth Rates
Chicory has been shown to positively impact lamb growth rates across several UK studies, solidifying its place as a good feed for finishing lambs . Growth rates from chicory trials vary between 178g to 300g per day, with rates of 300g to 400g possible in good management systems. Moreover, some studies report inclusion of chicory to increase lamb growth by 20%. The same results have not been observed for growing or suckler cattle.
Mineral Provision
Most minerals present in Chicory are at either similar or higher levels than in conventional grasses . Research exploring the use of Chicory and associated lamb growth rates have showed Chicory had significantly higher micro and macro-mineral content than perennial ryegrass offerings, with higher Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Zinc and Copper content within the dry matter . See table below showing some of the Macro and Micro-Minerals Present within Chicory and their importance for sheep