Constance Pourcelot
Project Title: Animal physiological and crop management factors influencing hill lamb performance when grazing forage brassica crops
Biography:In Ireland, hill sheep make up 47% of the national flock. These hardy, resilient breeds are well suited to harsh weather and can graze rugged terrain unsuited to lowland sheep. These lambs graze alongside their mothers in upland areas until late summer, when they are weaned. Hill lambs are then typically sold for further finishing on lowland farms. These finishers rely on ad-libitum concentrates fed indoors or alternatively, grazing brassica crops outdoors.
Constance is investigating the growth of hill lambs grazing different types of brassica crops. In particular she will be looking at how management of the crops and lambs influences performance as well as the physiological factors influencing lamb performance. To do this she is collecting data on the crops (dry matter yields and leaf/stem ratio etc.), animals performance (weight, body condition score and carcass quality at slaughter) and on environmental data, such as nitrogen leaching from grazing Brassica crops.
Constance’s research seeks a more sustainable way to finish hill lambs by using brassica crops and aims to generate knowledge on how best to manage them. By reducing concentrate use, promoting local forage, and strengthening cooperation between farmers and finishers, this approach could deliver economic, environmental, and social benefits—the three pillars of sustainability.
Teagasc email:Constance.Pourcelot@teagasc.ie
University email:constance.pourcelot@ucdconnect.ie
Teagasc Research Programme: Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Programme
Research Location: Teagasc Athenry
University: UCD
Teagasc Supervisor: Dr. Francis Campion
University Supervisor: Prof. Tommy Boland
Funder: Teagasc