Employing Forage Chicory in a Small Livestock Antiparasitic Management Strategy

Employing Forage Chicory in a Small Livestock Antiparasitic Management Strategy

Forage chicory, a plant commonly known as *Cichorium intybus*, has been identified as a potential tool for integrated parasite management in grazing ruminants, particularly against the highly pathogenic barber pole worm (*Haemonchus contortus*). This nematode significantly impacts sheep and goat production, and chicory's secondary plant compounds, such as condensed tannins, are believed to exert antiparasitic effects.

Several studies have demonstrated that chicory, either as a monoculture or in mixed swards, can reduce fecal egg counts (FEC) and adult worm burdens compared to traditional grass pastures. The mechanisms include direct anthelmintic effects of plant secondary metabolites and potential dilution effects due to increased forage diversity and selectivity.

On-farm trials report modest but significant reductions in FEC in sheep and goats grazing chicory, particularly during periods of high parasite challenge. However, the effect is often less dramatic than that seen with conventional anthelmintics, and results can vary widely depending on management practices, animal age, and environmental conditions.

Sheep and goats grazing chicory-rich pastures frequently exhibit improved weight gains and overall performance, which can be attributed to both the high nutritive value of chicory (high in protein, minerals, and digestible fiber) and the reduction in parasite burden. Reduced parasite load may contribute to better animal health, higher milk production (in dairy goats), and improved reproductive performance.

While chicory shows promise, it should be part of an integrated parasite management (IPM) program, including rotational grazing, selective deworming, and genetic selection for parasite resistance—not a standalone solution. The efficacy of chicory can be influenced by climate, soil type, grazing management, and the presence of other forages in the sward.

Chickens, for example, do not reduce internal parasites like *H. contortus* but can help manage fly populations and other external pests. For producers, adopting chicory as part of a diversified pasture system can enhance animal health and performance, but should not replace careful monitoring and diversified parasite management practices.

The Ohio Agronomy Guide suggests split applications of nitrogen totaling between 100 and 150 lbs of actual nitrogen/acre annually to achieve maximum yields of dry matter (DM)/acre if legumes are not included in the mixture. Forage chicory may be a tool in the development of parasite control strategies that minimize the use of dewormers, as numerous studies have documented the resistance of *H. contortus* to all classes of dewormers available in the U.S. market.

However, managing bolting after the establishment year is one of the main challenges in using forage chicory. Exposed tap roots are easily damaged by grazing animals. Forage Feast cultivar of forage chicory was grown in three farmer cooperator farms in Ohio as part of a research project to examine non-traditional forages in a managed grazing system for controlling gastrointestinal parasites in sheep.

In conclusion, forage chicory offers moderate efficacy in reducing internal parasite infections, especially *Haemonchus contortus*, in small ruminants, with the added benefit of improving growth and other production parameters. However, its impact is influenced by multiple farm-specific factors, and best results are achieved when chicory is integrated into a broader parasite control strategy. Grazing should begin when the plants are 8 to 10 inches in height and end when there is 1 to 2 inches of plant residual, and care in the determination of the number of animals allotted to a grazing area and the timing of animal movement is important. Stand longevity is also decreased by overgrazing and excessive hoof traffic.

1. The science of agriculture research continues to explore sustainable agriculture methods, such as integrating forage chicory into grazing pastures, to combat parasites like the barber pole worm, improve nutrition, and enhance health-and-wellness in small ruminants.
2. Chicory's antiparasitic effects, attributed to secondary plant compounds like condensed tannins, have been found to reduce fecal egg counts and adult worm burdens compared to traditional grass pastures.
3. In addition to its antiparasitic properties, chicory's high nutritive value (protein, minerals, and digestible fiber) contributes to improved weight gains, milk production, and reproductive performance in grazing animals.
4. While chicory shows promise, it is essential to consider its implementation in the context of a broader integrated parasite management (IPM) program, taking into account factors such as climate, soil type, grazing management, and the presence of other forages in the sward.
5. As a component of a diversified pasture system, chicory can lead to enhanced animal health and performance, specifically by reducing internal parasite infections and improving food-and-drink options for livestock—however, it should not replace careful monitoring and a multi-faceted parasite management strategy.

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