Productive performance and economic evaluation of sheep grazing on weeds in coffee plantations compared to pastures with or without supplementation

The aim of this study was to analyse lamb performance as well as conduct an economic evaluation by comparing grazing on weeds at a coffee plantation to grazing on pasturelands (Cynodon plectoslachyus and Pennisetum clandestinum) with and without supplementation. The study was carried out 40 days prior to the coffee harvest. Biological testing was conducted in the municipality of Comapa, Veracruz, using 32 male Pelibuey lambs with an average weight of 22 kg. Animals that consumed supplements and weeds at the coffee plantation had the highest daily weight gain (112.75 g). Analysis of the coffee farm considering the three existing groups (without sheep, with sheep without supplements and with sheep with supplements) presented a positive return rate, with the coffee-sheep-supplement being the best option in terms of economic, agricultural and environmental benefits as a whole, although the return rate was lower. It is concluded that the productive response of sheep obtained with a small amount of supplements (70 g/animal/day) while feeding on weeds was superior to that of animals grazing in pastures of established grasses, even when they received the same dose of supplements. Therefore it is suggested that keeping herds of sheep grazing on weeds in coffee plantations is economically profitable as well as agronomically and environmentally beneficial.