Summary
This controlled pot study evaluated the mineral composition of 21 pasture species, including wild-type and cultivated varieties, to assess their potential as natural sources of micronutrients in livestock diets. The findings demonstrate that botanical group rather than cultivation status drives mineral concentration differences, with forbs excelling in iodine and selenium, legumes in copper and cobalt, and grasses in manganese. Six species—including Achillea millefolium, Cichorium intybus, Plantago lanceolata, Medicago lupulina, Trifolium hybridum and Lotus corniculatus—emerged as promising mineral sources, though field validation and multispecies mixture trials are needed to confirm practical application.
UK applicability
The study was conducted in the United Kingdom and directly addresses mineral deficiencies common in UK livestock production systems. The identified pasture species are widely available in British agricultural contexts, making the findings immediately relevant to UK farmers considering species-diverse swards as an alternative to prophylactic mineral supplementation.
Key measures
Herbage mineral concentrations (cobalt, copper, iodine, manganese, selenium, zinc, sulphur, molybdenum, iron) across grasses, legumes and forbs; comparison to livestock recommended intakes
Outcomes reported
The study measured herbage concentrations of nine minerals (Co, Cu, I, Mn, Se, Zn, S, Mo and Fe) across 21 pasture species grown in pot trials. It identified botanical groups and specific species with elevated mineral concentrations relative to livestock nutrient requirements.
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