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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.

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. 

MacPherson, L. L.

Available in English

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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.

MacPherson, L. L.

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. 

Hargreaves, P., MacPherson, L. L. and Flockhart, J. 

Available in English

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