The effects of feeding different ensiled forages on the minerals excreted from growing lambs - implications for farm nutrient budgets.

R. Fychan, C. L. Marley, Mariecia Dawn Fraser, Vince Theobald, Raymond Jones

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Proceeding (Non-Journal item)

Abstract

Losses of minerals, such as phosphorus (P), from slurry are small compared to nitrogen losses, and slurry is therefore generally mineral-rich relative to plant nutrient needs. Samples from three experiments were analysed to test the hypothesis that the excretion of minerals differs in lambs offered different ensiled forages. Experiment 1 compared lambs offered ensiled forage peas or field beans, Experiment 2 compared lambs offered ensiled red clover, lucerne or birdsfoot trefoil and Experiment 3 compared lambs offered ensiled sainfoin or kale. In each experiment, six Suffolk-cross wethers were allocated to each silage and group-housed for 14 d. Lambs were then adapted to metabolism crates for 7 d before data was collected over 7 d. Daily amounts of silage offered, silage refused and urine and faeces produced were measured and sub-sampled for mineral analysis. Results showed differences in mineral intake or excretion between lambs offered different silages. For example, faecal P output of lambs offered red clover was lower than when lambs were offered birdsfoot trefoil or lucerne (P<0.05). Faecal K output was higher in lambs offered birdsfoot trefoil than red clover or lucerne (P<0.05) but there were no differences in the amount of urinary P or K lost.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHigh value grassland: providing biodiversity, a clean environment and premium products
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the BGS/BES/BSAS Conference
EditorsJ. J. Hopkins, A. J. Duncan, D. I. McCracken, S. Peel, J. R. B. Tallowin
PublisherBritish Grassland Society
Pages217-220
Number of pages4
Volume38
ISBN (Print)978-0905944364, 0905944364
Publication statusPublished - 2007
EventHigh Value Grasslands: providing biodiversity, a clean environment and premium products'. A joint BGS/BSAS/BES Conference - University of Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Duration: 17 Apr 200719 Apr 2007

Publication series

NameBritish Grassland Society Occasional Symposium
Number38

Conference

ConferenceHigh Value Grasslands: providing biodiversity, a clean environment and premium products'. A joint BGS/BSAS/BES Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
CityUniversity of Keele, Staffordshire
Period17 Apr 200719 Apr 2007

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