Healthier livestock with herb-rich grassland

The natural value of Dutch dairy farming is under a magnifying glass. In order to maintain support, we must make visible efforts to maintain and improve the quality of the agricultural landscape.

Herb-rich grassland is an interesting application for this. Not only does a meadow rich in herbs provide a beautiful appearance, it also has various advantages for the dairy farm (in terms of animal health and rations).

More minerals and trace elements
Herb-rich grassland does not achieve the production of a conventional plot, but usually does not reduce productivity either. The operating return can be higher, because herbal-rich roughage contains many minerals, trace elements and healthy ingredients that are not found in conventional grass.

The ration is not only much healthier, but also tastier and more varied. This ensures a higher absorption and more balance between fast and slow energy.

Application
Many dairy farms are already well on their way and often have one or a few poorer plots of land. These are perfect for sowing grassland herbs. With low fertilization, this can even provide extra yield. Herbs root deeper than perennial ryegrass, which makes them more drought resistant and able to absorb minerals from deeper soil layers.

Construction and maintenance of herb-rich grass
Herb-rich grassland is suitable for poor plots with a sufficiently high pH (5 or higher). Corners and edges of conventional lawns are also well suited for sowing grass herbs.

sow it new seed mixture LG Grassland herbs together with grass, or sow this herbal supplement in an open sod. Fertilize to a limited extent and preferably with solid (straw) manure. Apply deferred mowing management and alternate with grazing if possible. The herb-rich roughage is very suitable for young stock and dry cows, but also fits well in the rations of high-yielding dairy cattle.

Would you like to know more about the application of herb-rich grassland?
- View the LG grass herb mixtures
- Ask your specialist for advice

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