The steppe-like rangeland of Crau (France 43.8 degrees N, 5.0 degrees E, altitude 0 to 100 m a.s.l.) shows a late growth in spring. Therefore the feed resources of Mérinos d'Arles ewes consists mainly of poor value standing hay (7 per cent CP and 75 per cent NDF on DM basis) from autumn up to mid April. This feeding regimen hampers body condition (BC) recovery up to the mating season, beginning in May. The Subterranean clover (Sc) (Trifolium subterraneum, cv Clare) sown on plots of fallow, has the potential in terms of nutritive value (20 per cent CP and 37 per cent NDF on DM basis) to efficiently integrate the grazing resources in the period ranging from late February to May. In 1994 and 1995, ewes grazing Sc in this period exhibited an average liveweight gain (LWG) and a BC recovery higher than the counterparts grazing the rangeland (7.9 and 9.3 kg vs 4.6 and 3.3 kg; 1.3 and 1.4 BC units vs 0.4 and 0.2 BC units) (P less than 0.05 except 1994 liveweight).