Pasture Digestibility
The importance of ‘Having a High Digestibility of organic matter in pasture’
When it comes to livestock farming, the quality of pasture directly influences the health and productivity of animals. A key aspect of pasture quality is the digestibility of organic matter (DOM). This term refers to the proportion of organic material in the pasture that animals can break down and utilise. NIAB Trials have shown if the digestibility of forage (D-value) is one unit better, and enough forage is available a cow gives 0.2 L-0.25 L more milk per day! Understanding and optimising the digestibility of organic matter is vital for efficient livestock production, environmental sustainability, and economic viability. Let's explore why DOM is so important and how it impacts both the animals and the overall farming system.
1. Enhancing Animal Health and Performance
The digestibility of organic matter directly affects how well animals can extract nutrients from their feed. Higher digestibility means that animals can absorb more essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals. This leads to improved growth rates, better milk production, and overall better health. Conversely, low digestibility can lead to undernourishment, slower growth, and poor reproductive performance.
For instance, ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats rely heavily on their ability to digest fiber. If the fiber in their diet is too tough or fibrous, it passes through their system with little nutritional benefit. Ensuring that the organic matter in pasture is digestible helps in maximising the energy animals can derive from their feed, leading to more efficient production.
2. Optimising Feed Efficiency
Feed efficiency is a critical metric in livestock farming, as it determines how much of the feed consumed is converted into animal products, such as meat, milk, or wool. High DOM in pasture means that animals can extract more energy from less feed, reducing the overall feed costs. This is particularly important in organic and sustainable farming systems, where the cost of supplementary feed can be high.
When animals can efficiently digest the organic matter in their pasture, it reduces the need for additional concentrates and supplements, which in turn lowers input costs. This increased efficiency also leads to less waste being produced by the animals, which is beneficial for both farm management and environmental sustainability.
3. Environmental Benefits
Pasture digestibility doesn't just impact the animals; it also has significant environmental implications. Higher digestibility means that animals produce less methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as a byproduct of digestion. By improving the quality of the organic matter in pasture, farmers can help mitigate the environmental impact of livestock farming.
Moreover, efficient digestion means less undigested material is excreted as manure. This reduces the risk of nutrient runoff into waterways, which can lead to issues such as algal blooms and water pollution. By focusing on the digestibility of organic matter, farmers can contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices.
4. Improving Economic Viability
For any farming operation, profitability is a key concern. The digestibility of organic matter in pasture can have a direct impact on the economic viability of a farm. Higher digestibility leads to better animal performance, reduced feed costs, and lower veterinary expenses, all of which contribute to a more profitable farming system.
Additionally, healthier animals tend to have longer productive lifespans, which reduces the need for frequent replacements and associated costs. By investing in pasture quality and ensuring that the organic matter is highly digestible, farmers can enhance their bottom line over the long term.
5. Strategies to Improve Digestibility
Improving the digestibility of organic matter in pasture involves several strategies, including:
Selecting the Right Pasture Species: Certain forage species have higher digestibility than others. Legumes like clover and alfalfa, for example, tend to be more digestible than some grass species, in the grass species both Stride and Algira are a high D ryegrass and suitable for all stock types.
Pasture Management: Proper grazing management, including rotational grazing and maintaining optimal pasture height, can help ensure that the pasture remains in a highly digestible state. Overgrazing can lead to a decline in pasture quality and digestibility.
Soil Health: Healthy soils produce healthy plants. Ensuring that soil nutrients are balanced and that organic matter is maintained can improve the overall quality of the pasture.
Harvest Timing: If pasture is harvested for hay or silage, timing is crucial. Harvesting at the right stage of plant maturity can significantly affect the digestibility of the forage.
Conclusion
The digestibility of organic matter in pasture is a fundamental factor in the success of livestock farming. By focusing on DOM, farmers can improve animal health, enhance feed efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and boost profitability. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, understanding and optimising pasture digestibility will remain a key component of sustainable and productive farming practices. Investing in high-quality, digestible pasture is an investment in the future of farming.
By applying these principles, your farming operation can thrive, contributing to a healthier ecosystem and more robust economic returns. digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, water soluble carbohydrates, cell wall fraction, digestibility of cell wall and ash content all form a top performing pasture.
Get in touch with us if you’d like any personalised advice on the digestibility of your pasture