Mob grazing: animal health and nutrition
Animal health and nutrition in a mob grazing system
Animal health and nutrition is a top priority for mob grazers. One of the benefits of daily moves is being able to assess the condition of animals, looking at dung, and identifying any problems quickly.
Grazing animals on diverse pastures (and in some cases tree browse or tree hay) helps ensure they have access to more of the minerals they need, although some mob grazers still supplement with additional minerals.
Advice from mob grazers on animal health and nutrition
Nikki Yoxall from Howemill explains how their mob grazed cattle have access to a diverse sward including tufted grasses like cocksfoot and other deep rooting plants to maintain good nutrition. The cattle also have access to trees which means additional nutrients they wouldn’t get from grass alone.
Howemill on managing for animal health and nutrition:
Philip Close from Balsar Glen has seen huge health benefits from mob grazing, including no longer having to trim hooves, worm or treat for pneumonia over winter.
Balsar Glen on the benefits of mob grazing to animal health:
Katharine Sharp from Achpopuli Farm has developed new strategies for managing Liver Fluke, based on weak points in the life cycle, which includes integration of ducks and geese in her grazing system!
Achpopuli Farm on managing fluke in a mob grazing system:
Katharine explains the benefits of mob grazing taller grass with sheep, how she manages foot health on her wet ground, and the reductions in need for foot treatment.
Achpopuli Farm on managing foot health of sheep:
Lynn Cassells from Lynbreck Croft explains the mineral and nutritional benefits of tree hay, the tannins in leaves have natural anti-parasitic properties which reduces worm burdens and willow leaves have natural pain killing properties. At Lynbreck Croft they’re trying to move away from the need for additional mineral supplements over time.
Lynbreck Croft on the value of tree hay for animal nutrition: