Effect of chloride fertilisation on dietary cation-anion difference forage species

Bijeenkomst: EGF2015
Auteur: Nesheim L., Synnes O.M. and Langerud A.
ISBN: 978-9090-289-61-8
Jaar van uitgifte: 2015
Producttype: Paper
The dietary cation and anion difference (DCAD) is an important property when assessing feed for dry cows in order to avoid hypocalcaemia following calving. Low values of DCAD may reduce the risk of milk fever. DCAD is often calculated as the difference between the cations Na+ and K+ and the anions Cl- and S2-. Research has shown that chloride fertilization may reduce DCAD, and that there might be differences in DCAD between commonly used grass species. In a research project in Central Norway the effects on DCAD of different rates of chloride fertiliser application were investigated. Fertilization with 70, 140 or 210 kg Cl per hectare in calcium chloride did significantly reduce DCAD in forage from leys dominated by timothy and meadow fescue. Pure stands of seven grass species were fertilized with either 0 or 140 kg Cl per hectare in spring. The lowest values of DCAD were found in reed canary grass and perennial ryegrass.