What is the value of hay from a nature reserve?

The nutritional value of high biological value meadows will always be lower overall, in terms of digestible protein and mineral content, than that of intensively managed meadows. This difference is due more to the later mowing date than to the composition of the flora. However, the quality of diversified grassland remains more stable over the season, whereas grassland with grasses deteriorates rapidly (lower digestibility and protein content). A late mowing of a high biological value grassland will therefore give a richer hay or a hay of "equal" quality to a conventional hay mowed at the same date. Diversified grasslands also allow greater flexibility in farming.

For example, it is estimated that 10-15% of the fodder on an average farm can come from hay meadows without any significant loss of yield. A French study has also shown, using modelling, that it would be possible to mow up to 40% of the area late in order to preserve the floral diversity of the grassland without penalising the productivity of the system.

To find out more about fodder production from hay meadows, click here!