PF 23. Kikuyo (Pennisetum clandestinum) behaviour grazed by lambs at different alfalfa levels offer

The objective was to determine residual forage mass in a Kikuyo pasture and lamb live-weiht gain when alfalfa is offered as supplement. Treatments were level of alfalfa offered to provide 0, 15 or 30 % of daily protein requirement of growing lambs.Experimental design was a complete random with four replications, experimental unit was a Kikuyo pasture with three lambs. Residual forage mass was higher (P < .05) when no alfalfa was offered, and the lowest residual forage mass was found at the highest level of alfalfa offered. Lamb live-weight gain was the lowest with no supplement of alfalfa, 15 and 30 % of supplement gave the same lamb live-weight gain. Supplementation with alfalfa increased lamb live-weight gain and defoliation of Kikuyo pasture.