Legumes in dairy farming
Alternatives to soya for dairy cows
Soybean meal is considered the gold standard for supporting high milk yields in dairy cows. However, it is falling out of favour with milk processors, consumers and dairy farmers for many reasons. Environmental concerns around how imported soybean is produced, a desire to reduce the carbon footprint of milk, and pressure from milk buyers means that farmers are looking
at alternatives.
MacPherson, L. L.
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Available in English
Feeding faba beans to dairy cows
More UK dairy farmers are moving away from soya as a protein source for a range of reasons including consumer concerns about the environmental and social consequences of soya production in some exporting countries. This practice note discusses the suitability of faba bean (field bean) for the replacement of soya in dairy rations.
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MacPherson, L. L.
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Available in English
Feeding pea to dairy cows
Soya can be successfully substituted with peas in dairy cows without affecting milk output or compositional quality.
Being able to produce more home-grown protein in the form of pea can reduce the reliance on soya and feed costs.
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MacPherson, L. L.
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Available in English
Lucerne in north-western Europe
Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) can be fed to dairy, beef cattle and sheep as part of the protein forage component of their ration. Based on Scottish research, this note provides guidance on identifying site and climate combinations where the production of lucerne can be viable in north-western Europe.
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Hargreaves, P., MacPherson, L. L. and Flockhart, J.
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Available in English
