Project


Utilisation and conservation methods for fodder leaves from agroforestry systems to improve nutrient supply and reduce methane emissions in small ruminants (FuLaWi)

Contact: PD Dr. rer. nat. habil. Björn Kuhla

Duration: 2023-2026

Funding: BLE

Abstract:

Methods for using and preserving fodder leaves from agroforestry systems to improve nutrient supply and reduce methane emissions in small ruminants (FuLaWi)

The project objectives are divided into three areas:

(i) To develop harvesting and preservation methods for foliage that, in addition to fresh foliage feeding, ensure year-round, species-appropriate nutrition for small ruminants.

(ii) To improve the digestibility of roughage, reduce methane emissions and improve the mineral supply of small ruminants by adding foliage.

(iii) to expand knowledge about the sustainable added value of silvopastoral systems at demonstration sites and to put this knowledge into practice. To this end, in addition to laboratory and feeding trials, agroforestry systems are also being set up on farms to ensure that the project is as practical as possible. The project is funded as part of research and development projects to ensure sustainable nutrition for farm animals under changing climatic conditions in Module A ‘Improving the environmental and climate impact of livestock farming through sustainable animal nutrition’.