The objectives of this work were focused on analysing the productive and environmental effects of the flock of the Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Ganado Ovino Selecto de Raza Manchega (AGRAMA), when changing from trough feeding (APe) in 2019 to triticale grazing (ADi) during the springs of 2020 and 2021. Ewes were divided into three groups: i) high producing, ii) low producing and iii) non-lactating. Milk production per day was not different between years (1.23 L in APe and 1.51 L in ADi), but milk crude protein and urea concentrations were lower in ADi. Triticale grazing reduced feed purchases by 165 kg dry matter per ewe (61 kg feed and 104 kg forage per ewe) for 125 days. Methane and nitrous oxide emissions per ewe per day were 27.6 % and 55.6 % higher in ADi, but lower per liter of milk by 15.2 % and 46.3 % respectively. Carbon sequestration contributed to reduce the carbon footprint by 4.4 % per litre of milk and 4.9 % per ewe per day. It is concluded that spring grazing of triticale is a practice that improves milk production without substantial variations in its chemical composition and reduces the carbon footprint of sheep farms in Castilla La Mancha.

Salcedo G, García O, Gallego R, Salcedo D, González R (2023). Oportunidades productivas y medioambientales del pastoreo primaveral de triticale con ovejas Manchegas en Castilla La Mancha. ITEA‑Información Técnica Económica Agraria 119(3): 244-269. https://doi.org/10.12706/itea.2023.005