Discover how chicory, sulla, and other specialized forages are transforming deer farming by improving nutrition and naturally combating parasitic infections.
Imagine a world where deer farming could be revolutionized not by pharmaceuticals, but by what the animals eat. This isn't futuristic fantasy—it's happening right now in pastures and research stations where agricultural scientists are uncovering the remarkable relationship between forage selection, parasite control, and animal growth.
For deer farmers, internal parasites have long been a persistent challenge, draining productivity and requiring frequent chemical interventions. But what if the solution grew naturally from the ground? Recent research reveals that certain forage species—including chicory, sulla, and red clover—offer a dual benefit: they simultaneously improve nutrition and help deer naturally combat parasitic infections.
Specialized forages offer a natural approach to parasite control that aligns with sustainable farming practices and consumer demands for clean, green farming methods with minimal chemical inputs 1 .
Roundworms that inhabit the digestive system, stealing nutrients and causing tissue damage.
Dictyocaulus species that compromise respiratory function and reduce growth.
Microscopic parasites that colonize various organs and systems in deer.
Even at subclinical levels (when deer show no obvious signs of sickness), parasites can significantly reduce voluntary feed intake (VFI) and liveweight gain (LWG), particularly during critical growth periods in autumn and spring .
Research has shown that young deer are especially vulnerable, with parasitism potentially reducing growth rates by 15-30% even when animals receive regular chemical deworming treatments 1 .
Plants aren't just passive food sources—they contain complex biochemical compounds that can actively influence animal physiology and parasite dynamics. Certain forage species have evolved bioactive compounds that either directly inhibit parasites or enhance the animal's ability to resist infection.
Cichorium intybus
Contains sesquiterpene lactones with demonstrated antiparasitic properties 3 .
Hedysarum coronarium
Rich in condensed tannins (CT) that alter digestive processes to disadvantage parasites 1 .
Lotus corniculatus
Tannin-containing forage that shows promise for integrated parasite management 1 .
The condensed tannins found in sulla and birdsfoot trefoil can form complexes with dietary proteins that protect them from degradation in the rumen, resulting in more efficient protein utilization and increased amino acid absorption 3 .
To understand the real-world impact of forage selection on deer health and growth, let's examine a pivotal grazing trial conducted in New Zealand—a country at the forefront of deer farming innovation.
While traditional parasite research often focuses on single species, the reality is that deer typically host multiple parasite species simultaneously—a phenomenon called multiparasitism.
Recent research from Denmark has revealed that both fallow deer (Dama dama) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) carry multiple parasite taxa simultaneously, with red deer hosting an average of five different parasite species per individual 2 .
Researchers found a strong negative relationship between the total number of endoparasite taxa and body condition in both deer species, measured through both body condition scores and mass-length ratios 2 .
Serum chemistry analyses revealed subtle but important physiological changes associated with increasing parasite loads, including reduced total protein and iron concentrations in deer carrying more parasite species 2 .
| Nutrient | Chicory | Sulla | Conventional Pasture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein (%) | 24.3 | 25.8 | 20.1 |
| Organic Matter Digestibility (%) | 84.7 | 81.2 | 77.5 |
| Condensed Tannins (%) | <0.3 | 5.1-8.4 | <0.3 |
| Copper (mg/kg) | 14.2 | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Cobalt (mg/kg) | 0.32 | 0.28 | 0.18 |
The research exploring relationships between internal parasitism, growth, and forage selection in farmed deer points toward a more sustainable future for the industry. By strategically incorporating specialized forages like chicory, sulla, and red clover into deer production systems, farmers can simultaneously enhance growth rates, improve carcass production, and reduce reliance on chemical anthelmintics 1 3 .
While challenges remain—including optimizing forage persistence in grazing systems and adapting recommendations to different climatic regions—the research clearly demonstrates that what deer eat profoundly influences their health and growth.
This approach represents a welcome return to ecological thinking in agriculture, where we work with rather than against natural systems to achieve our production goals.