Optimizing forage legume production at cattle farms in the Northern Ostrobothnia region

The overall objective of the project is to improve the feed production at whole farm-scale. The main target is to promote the resource efficient feed and animal production and particularly improve the use of nutrients in field and animal feeding .In this project the cultivation and ensiling of forage legumes, particularly red clover, will be studied. In addition, using red clover in beef cattle feeding will be studied. Environmental impacts and economical effects of using forage legumes will be considered at the farm-scale. The main objective is to find solutions that decrease the risks of forage legume cultivation and improve the use of nitrogen at farm-scale. Also, challenges of grass-legume ensiling will be examined, and the target is to find the optimal ensiling methods. In addition, new methods to optimize the use of forage legumes in beef cattle feeding will be studied.