Forage quality of leaf fodder from the main woody species in Iceland and its potential use for livestock in the past and present

Abstract

Woody species played, and in many Nordic regions still play, a very important role in livestock feeding. However, forage quality (contents of macroelements and fibre fractions) of the leaves of common woody species is often inadequate. The aim of our study was to determine forage quality of leaves of Betula nana, Betula pubescens, Salix lanata, Salix phylicifolia and Sorbus aucuparia from Iceland and to compare it with the forage quality of the common native grass Deschampsia cespitosa and the introduced grass Alopecurus pratensis used by contemporary Icelandic farmers for forage production. Samples were collected at four localities in Iceland in late June 2013 and analysed for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), neutral and acid-detergent fibre and lignin concentration. Analyses were compared with the optimum range for cattle and sheep nutrition. The nutritive value of leaves of the Icelandic woody species was relatively high, and analysis showed their nutritive content satisfied both cattle and sheep nutrient requirements for N, P, K, Ca and Mg, but the relatively high content of indigestible lignin in all woody species could cause problems for livestock metabolism. Grasses were characterized by lower P, Ca and Mg, but substantially higher K concentrations, and higher N:P and K:(Mg + Ca) ratios. The forage quality of leaves of woody species increased in the order B. nana < B. pubescens < S. phylicifolia < S. aucuparia < S. lanata. Results are discussed in relation to use of leaf fodder in the past, when woody species, particularly Salix spp., are likely to have played an important role in livestock feeding.

Temporal variations in leaf traits, chemical composition and in vitro true digestibility of four temperate fodder tree species

“…Emile et al (2016) found lower DM and NDF and, together with Luske and van Eekeren (2015), comparable CP contents, while Masson et al (1980) reported lower DM and higher ash and CP contents. Hejcman et al (2016), instead, reported similar ADF but lower NDF, ADL and ash concentrations for S. aucuparia leaves in Iceland.…”

A modern analogue of the Pleistocene steppe‐tundra ecosystem in southern Siberia

“…Concentration of N and P found there are sufficient for cattle (Whitehead ; Suttle ; Hejcman et al . ) and correspond to the requirements for maintenance of body weight in yaks (Long et al . ) and saiga, although in most habitats they may be low for saiga lactation (Abaturov & Subbotin ).…”

“…Concentrations of nutrients in biomass were compared with values reported in the literature as optimal for cattle (Whitehead ; Suttle ; Hejcman et al . ). This comparison was used as a benchmark for the nutritional value of different habitats for large herbivores, although it is important to note that domesticants have different nutrition requirements than wild animals.…”

Effects of additives on the fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility and aerobic stability of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves silage

“…Mulberry fruit can be used in food and wine making. The leaves can be an ideal resource for animal feeding because of high biomass, crude protein content and digestibility [2]. In China, to wipe out poverty, the government has launched many projects encouraging the mulberry cultivation.…”