Project

Towards a more efficient utilization of minerals in the diet of organic dairy cattle

Code
174R03410
Duration
01 May 2010 → 30 April 2013
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Animal biology
  • Agricultural and food sciences
    • Veterinary medicine
    • Other veterinary sciences
    • Other agricultural, veterinary and food sciences
Keywords
biological dairy cattle
 
Project description

Research has shown that organically reared cattle in Flanders has a number of mineral deficiencies, especially if it is not supplemented. Organic farming, however, revolves around the sustainable use of resources, and external supply of minerals should therefore be minimal. This project aims to determine whether the efficiency with which minerals are used in dairy rations can be increased by improving the bioavailability of these minerals. We want to especially look for the dietary factors (other than the concentrations of the relevant minerals) that affect mineralenbiobeschikbaarheid, and thus can provide a strategy to farmers to prevent mineral deficiencies.