Varieties of clover in poultry ranges: feed value and feeding preference (OK-Net Ecofeed Practice Abstract)

Summary in the original language of the document

Clover varieties and lucerne in the outdoor area provide an additional source of feed intake as well as offering attractive environmental enrichment. Tasty clover varieties improve forage intake in green ranges. The fresh green forage has a positive effect on the yolk colour. A clear preference for individual clover varieties could not be established. There was a tendency for white clo-ver to be preferred, which is attributed to its higher sugar content. White clover has the highest methionine levels (see table 1), but the slowest growth. In the literature the yield is given as 85 dt/ha compared to 160 dt/ha for red clover and lucerne. Lucerne also grows very well in dry conditions. A high proportion of legumes in the free range represents an additional supplement of protein but it is not easy to consider its contribution in terms of ration planning. Dilution effects on nutrient intake, due to the ani-mals uptake of green material in the open air, are reduced. Fencing off is necessary to establish the plants, and it is essential to ensure a minimum range size. A mixture of lucerne and white clover can be recommended for poultry ranges, offering robust stocks and good growth even with intensive use. To avoid death of vegetation and optimise use of range, do not sow clo-ver areas next to the henhouse, use more robust grasses there.