Summary
This long-term field experiment compared mineral concentrations in herbage from permanent grassland and newly reseeded multi-species swards under varying nutrient inputs and slurry management regimes. Nutrient treatments generally increased mineral concentrations, with differential effects depending on slurry rate and type; multi-species swards demonstrated improved mineral profiles (higher Ca, Na, Zn) and a reduced Tetany Index compared to permanent grasslands. The findings suggest that practical grassland management modifications offer opportunities to modulate herbage mineral composition and support livestock health whilst maintaining sustainability.
UK applicability
Given the study's apparent UK setting and focus on grassland-based silage systems typical of British dairy and livestock farming, the findings are directly applicable to UK management practices. The demonstration that sward reseeding and nutrient management can be manipulated to improve mineral status offers practical guidance for UK farmers seeking to optimise livestock nutrition and reduce disease risk.
Key measures
Herbage mineral concentrations (Ca, P, K, Na, Mg, S, Fe, Cu, Zn); Tetany Index; nutrient treatment effects (slurry rate and type); sward type comparisons; harvest season effects
Outcomes reported
The study measured herbage mineral concentrations (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, copper, zinc) under different nutrient inputs (slurry rate and type) and sward types (permanent grassland versus multi-species sward). It also calculated the Tetany Index as an indicator of livestock health risk.
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