Boosting Livestock Mineral Wealth with Herbs, Pasture and Trees
- Whole Health Agriculture Learning Centre
Farm livestock require a balanced intake of essential minerals to maintain optimal health, growth, reproduction and immunity.
Ruminants all have different requirements but common deficiencies include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and trace minerals like copper, zinc, and selenium. Fortunately, well-managed farms have a natural medicine chest - ie their hedgerows, pasture and woodlands. Herbs, grasses, forbs and trees are valuable sources of minerals for farm livestock, and can contribute to their overall health and nutrition. Integrating these natural resources can, over time, enhance mineral uptake and reduce reliance on supplements.
For some years now, farmers have been using herbal leys as part of their regenerative practice. Diverse swards for livestock are also becoming more widely used. Growing your own mineral-rich, natural forage makes sense. It not only supports animal well-being but it also promotes sustainable farming practices, encourages biodiversity and boosts soil health.
Grasses, Herbs and Forbs for Livestock Health
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a highly nutritious forage rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It also contains trace minerals such as copper and zinc. Alfalfa supports bone development, muscle function, and overall growth, making it a valuable addition to livestock diets.
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is another beneficial forb that offers significant amounts of potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. Chicory's deep roots help it absorb minerals from deeper soil layers, providing livestock with a rich source of nutrients. It also has natural anthelmintic properties, which can help control internal parasites.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is known for its high calcium and magnesium content. These minerals are crucial for lactating animals, supporting milk production and overall health. Red clover is also rich in protein, enhancing its nutritional value for grazing livestock.
Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is a common pasture grass that provides a good source of calcium and phosphorus, essential for skeletal health and metabolic functions. It is palatable and easily digestible, making it a preferred choice for many farmers.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), often considered a weed, is actually a nutrient powerhouse. It is rich in calcium, potassium, and iron. Dandelions can be grazed directly by livestock or included in mixed forage, contributing to mineral intake and supporting overall health.
Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is a versatile forb that offers high levels of calcium and magnesium. It also contains various vitamins and trace minerals, supporting a robust immune system and enhancing growth.
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is an herb packed with iron, calcium, and magnesium. It can be dried and mixed into feed or offered fresh. Nettle supports blood health and muscle function, making it a valuable dietary component for livestock.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is known for its high calcium and potassium content. It promotes bone health and aids in overall growth and development. Comfrey leaves can be used fresh or dried as part of a balanced diet.
Trees For Livestock Health
Making trees available to livestock for browsing gains them access to these vital nutrients naturally and allows them to self-select the nutrients they need.
Willow (Salix spp.): Willow leaves and bark can provide important trace minerals, particularly zinc and selenium, which are crucial for immune function and reproductive health in livestock.
Hazel (Corylus avellana): Hazel leaves and nuts can supplement the diet with essential minerals of calcium, magnesium, and iron which support bone health, muscle function, and blood production.
Alder (Alnus glutinosa): Alder is high in nitrogen-fixing properties, indirectly contributing to soil fertility and increasing the mineral content in surrounding plants. Alders improve soil quality, enhancing overall pasture nutrition. Livestock can browse on alder leaves, which offer minerals such as calcium and potassium.
Ash (Fraxinus excelsior): The Ash tree Provides calcium, potassium, and magnesium which are essential for skeletal health, metabolic function, and overall growth in livestock.
Birch (Betula spp.): Birch leaves and bark can be browsed by livestock, offering a natural source of potassium, calcium and trace amounts of manganese and zinc which contribute to healthy muscle function and immune support.
Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus): The Sycamore contains calcium, potassium, and manganese which support bone health and metabolic processes.
Oak (Quercus spp.): While oak leaves and acorns should be fed in moderation due to tannins (this can also be a benefit for worm and parasite management), they can offer valuable minerals that support digestion and overall health such as calcium, magnesium, and trace elements such as zinc.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna): Hawthorn leaves and berries can be beneficial for cardiovascular health in livestock, providing essential minerals that support heart function.
Natural Sources of Essential Minerals
References:
Forage and Grazing Terminology Committee (2001). Terminology for Grazing Lands and Grazing Animals. Forages: The Science of Grassland Agriculture.
Carter, J. (2007). Agroforestry: Trees for Livestock on Farms. Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National Research Council (NRC) (2005). Mineral Tolerance of Animals: Second Revised Edition. The National Academies Press.
Muir, J.P., Pitman, W.D., & Foster, J.L. (2011). Sustainable Protein Sources: The Role of Legumes in Human Nutrition and Forage Production Systems.
These references include general agroforestry and forage science literature, as well as specific data on the mineral content of various plants. Regular testing of pasture and soil on the farm is recommended to ensure optimal mineral content and availability.
To learn more about natural sources of minerals visit some of our links below.
Webinars:
"Unlock The Medicine Chest on your Farm".
Visit our LEARNING HUB for a wide range of information and learning opportunities - much of it FREE.