HEDGEROWS AND HERBS FOR HEALTHY CATTLE
Barbara Saunders-Davies
(Talk given at the B-D conference, June 1984)
It appears to be a sad fact that the health and vitality of our domestic animals is declining. During the 25 years since I gave up farming, although such diseases as tuberculosis and contagious abortion have been virtually eliminated by a policy of testing. slaughter and vaccination, the average life of a cow, especially a dairy cow, has dropped to about 6 years. What a waste of three years of growth to achieve only about three lactations! But it is hardly surprising, considering the intensive and artificial way commercial animals are fed and managed. It is right to breed from naturally good milkers if they have a good constitution and fertility record, but to push up the milk yield to unnatural levels by feeding with high protein concentrates can only disturb the cow's digestive system its most important system and weaken its constitution and resistance to disease. Something goes wrong and the wretched animal is slaughtered just when it reaches maturity. Other factors contribute, such as over-simple seed mixtures on temporary leys and increasing nitrogenous fertilising which reduces the nutritive value of both grazing and hay, and produces a mineral imbalance. Hedgerows are grubbed up, not only depriving the animals of shelter but also of herbs and foliage which would help to balance their one-sided diet. I have recently been reading an interesting book by Nicolaus Remer, Lebensgesetz im Landbau. The author, an agricultural adviser, has long experience in both practice and research in bio- dynamic agriculture. The book is full of tables and comparative chemical analyses, etc. to support what he says, but a few ideas out of the two chapters on animal feeding could be very helpful to stock farmers.
He stresses the value of roughage and fibre in homegrown fodder. It develops the digestive organs and glandular system. High-protein foods damage these, especially the liver. They produce chemical food poisons. It is a great strain on the intestines when they are burdened with the poisons of decomposing protein from excessive concentrate feeding. Roughage, on the other hand, stimulates the digestion. But cattle need time to adapt to the change. A sudden change can result in illness. It really takes three generations of home breeding and feeding to transform their digestive system from being accustomed to concentrates to coping with more bulky food. The breeder must select the type that thrives and is suited to the fodder and the environment.
The feeding of concentrates causes great changes in the glands of the digestive system and the protein-building organs heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. The pulse quickens, the breathing is quicker, the blood pressure is raised as well as the milk yield. All this happens for financial gain but in the long run health suffers. The dung from such animals is not even good for the soil. It hardens it and does not form humus, and so the cow is no longer a contributor to soil fertility.
This must be changed. The animals must be restored to health. By digesting larger quantities of roughage they develop bone, nerves, teeth, horn, fertility, long life and the capacity to utilise bulky food. A high silica content is of special importance for the animal and is a guide to the quality of roughage.
Hedgerow Browsing
Many cattle diseases can be due to mineral deficiencies, especially of calcium and phosphorus. Leaves of hedgerow trees and bushes are particularly rich in minerals and protein. In the course of evolution ruminants have developed from leaf browsers to grazing animals. Many still are browsers and our domestic animals still need leaves and twigs to supplement grazing and they should not be deprived of them. The leaves of hazel, willow and lime are far richer in calcium, phosphorus and protein than the fodder grasses. The bitter substances in bark stimulate digestion and the liver and they increase resistance to internal parasites. Tannin, resins, fats and essential oils aid the digestion of fibre. Sheep and cattle love to nibble the tips of freshly felled conifers in winter. In olden days twigs and gorse were chaffed and crushed and fed to cattle and horses in the winter. Twigs, bark, leaves and conifer branches are rich in silica, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. Leaves and straw are valuable as mineral supplements. The foliage of ash, alder, birch, elder, oak and field maple are rich in copper. Hedgerow shrubs stimulate glandular activity and the animal has the instinct to select what it needs if it is unwell.
Willow is good for fever, and against plant poisons
Hazel maintains fertility
Viburnum opulus (guelder rose) encourages conception
Mountain ash and its berries strengthens the liver
Prunus species-sloe and wild plum- are rejuvenating
Mulberry leaves help digestion
Birch is anti-sclerotic
Elder purifies the blood
Barberry regulates the kidneys
Herbal Supplements and Remedies
Among plants containing resins, tannin and essential oils are also the labiates - basil, marjoram, hyssop, savory, thyme, peppermint and sage and some Umbelliferae, such as caraway, parsnips, pimpinella, angelica and carrots. They are like a salad dressing for the bulky fodder.
It is worth growing extra quantities of herbs in the kitchen garden for the use of the farm animals. All the surplus can be dried and used as a valuable winter supplement. Cut the plants before the seeds are ripe, dry them, chop them and store in bags or sacks. When wanted, take a few handfuls in a bucket, pour on boiling water and let stand till cool. This herb brew should be mixed with the winter feed.
Remedial uses
Umbelliferous roots:
Carrots for the nerves and bones (especially for calves and sheep
Parsnips for the nervous system
Angelica for the respiration and for milk
Lovage for the lower digestive system
Parsley for the kidneys
Celeriac for the kidneys and reproduction
Umbelliferous leaves and green parts good as fodder supplement:
Caraway in clover prevents bloat
Parsley regulates the digestive system
Caraway is particularly valuable in silage as it encourages good lactic acid fermentation
Dill, lovage, parsley, chervil, angelica and celeriac are also good additions to silage All these and fennel, aniseed and coriander may also be dried to add to the herb brew together with nettles.
Labiates:
These are the real doctors in the plant world. They are par ticularly good to dry and add to the winter herb brew. They are especially good for the rhythmic systems and they stimulate the glandular system. They include lavender, rosemary, lemon balm, marjoram, the basils, hyssop, savory, thyme, pepper mint and sage.
Compositae:
Much of their medicinal value lies in their bitter leaves. They combat decomposition and inflammation in the digestive system and have a cleansing effect. They include: Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum), mugwort (A.vulgaris), wormwood (only for digestive disorders), tarragon, goldenrod, tansy. To add to the winter herb brew: southernwood, tarragon, mugwort and goldenrod can be used.
Southernwood and tansy are good and mild remedies for intestinal worms.
Other valuable medicinal Compositae are: chamomile, yarrow, marigold (Calendula), dandelion, arnica, daisies, cornflowers and sunflower petals.
Other Plant Families:
Further flower remedies for the digestion are St. John's Wort, primroses and birdsfoot trefoil as a stimulating tea. Stronger remedies are chives for cattle and garlic for pigs.
Do not be disheartened if you cannot provide all these plants! Just see that your cows have access to hedges. Lay some of the ash, hazel, oak, elder and willow so that the animals can reach the young growth. (Willow strikes very easily from rods stuck in the ground). Plant a few Christmas trees and cut the lower branches. Leave a narrow strip of headland round the field so that Nature's wild herbs can grow there. Make your herb brew from whatever you have or can grow easily and add plenty of nettles. It is not so difficult!