Parasite dilution improves lamb growth more than does the complementarity of forage niches in a mesic pasture grazed by sheep and cattle

Agroecological practices can improve the functioning of livestock farming systems by optimizing their underlying biological processes. Sheep/cattle mixed-grazing is an example such a practice in which sheep grazing with cattle achieve higher liveweight gain (LWG), than alone. We conducted experiment to assess relative roles parasite dilution and forage niche complementarity improving LWGs. used continuous compared LWGs 5- 9-month ewe lambs, alone or heifers, at two contrasting sheep/cattle ratios (~50/50% 20/80% units). The animals were not treated for strongyles (gastrointestinal parasites) before during experiment. assessed parasitism counting number strongyle eggs excreted per gram feces (EPG) evaluated through observations feeding behavior, combined measurements fecal nitrogen content (N). observed that i) diet was moderately improved (+4% dicots +11% young vegetative grass most, but these improvement statistically significant (resp. P =0.28 =0.35); ii) N levels significantly different across treatments (~2%; =0.75); iii) EPGs ~50% lower monospecific (545 716 vs. 1278, <0.01), iv) much (~40 g day higher, <0.001); v) did differ between studied =0.91 =0.56). thus attributed most lamb our rather complementarity. In addition, similar suggest benefits this be obtained easily, i.e. over wide range ratios. Based on definition adjective operable (‘capable being put into use, operation practice’), we also conclude seems from viewpoint.