How Trees Support Animal Health: A Farmer’s Guide
- Howard Hughes
- Dec 3, 2024
- 2 min read
Trees play an integral role in farm ecosystems, offering benefits that go far beyond their aesthetic appeal. For livestock and crop production, trees provide nutrition, disease suppression, and a more resilient farm environment. Here, I explore key UK-native trees with proven benefits, practical tips for integration, and available grant schemes to help landowners invest in agroforestry.
Nutritional Benefits for Livestock
Willow: A standout for its high levels of cobalt and zinc, essential for sheep health. Research shows that willow leaves can address mineral deficiencies, especially in cobalt-deficient pastures, boosting lamb growth rates during summer when forage quality declines. See: https://www.agricology.co.uk/field/blog/agroforestry-silvopasture-using-willow-grazing.
Alder: Known for its nitrogen-fixing properties, alder enriches soil health while its leaves offer trace elements beneficial to livestock. Its tannins also reduce parasite loads in grazing animals. See: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=422.
Oak: A traditional choice for silvopastoral systems, oak provides high-energy browse for livestock during lean periods. However, its acorns must be managed carefully to prevent toxicity. See: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/research/oak-health-overview/.
Hazel: While not as nutrient-dense as willow or alder, hazel can serve as a supplementary feed and offers valuable shade and shelter. See: https://www.agroforestry.co.uk/agroforestry-practice/.
Reducing Disease in Orchards and Fields
Willow chips have shown efficacy in suppressing diseases like scab in apple orchards. This property can be particularly useful in mixed-use farms combining livestock and orchards. See: https://www.organicresearchcentre.com/. Similarly, alder’s ability to improve water management can reduce root rot and other moisture-related issues.
Shade, Shelter, and Improved Pasture
Trees like birch and sycamore provide excellent shelterbelts that stabilize microclimates for livestock, reducing heat stress in summer and wind chill in winter. Their presence can enhance grass production by improving water infiltration and retaining soil structure. See: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=195.
Practical Integration of Trees
Living Fences: Willow and hazel can be planted as living fences, providing browse and additional forage while serving as natural barriers.
Silvopasture: Mix trees like oak and alder within grazing paddocks to improve forage quality and animal health.
Grant Support for Agroforestry
The UK government’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) offers funding for agroforestry projects. Look for codes such as:
TE4 (Tree Establishment): Supports planting and nurturing trees in silvopastoral systems. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/.
BN5 (Hedgerow Maintenance): Incentivizes the use of trees and shrubs as hedges, offering benefits for biodiversity and livestock. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england.
AC1 (Animal Health and Welfare Review): Although not tree-specific, this grant can cover tree-based solutions for improving livestock welfare. See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/funding-for-farmers-and-land-managers.
Case Study: Willow for Sheep Nutrition
A farmer in Devon integrated willow into their paddocks, addressing cobalt deficiency in their sheep. By allowing limited access to willow browse during summer, lamb weight gains improved by 15%, with no need for mineral supplements. This approach also enhanced soil moisture retention, benefiting surrounding pastures. See: https://www.agricology.co.uk/resources.
More Information:
Bowhayes Trees offers a range of native trees perfect for integrating into your farming systems. Whether you’re looking to improve livestock health, diversify your farm, or enhance biodiversity, we’re here to help. Visit https://www.bowhayestrees.co.uk to explore our collection and get expert advice tailored to your needs.
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