Document type: article published by Chambres d'Agriculture France
Author: Chambres d'Agriculture France
Preview:We often associate the presence of hedgerows and isolated trees with the biodiversity benefits they bring and their function in reducing soil erosion. Their role in animal welfare and the consequent improvement in livestock performance is more rarely mentioned, though this is far from negligible. The climatic upheavals we are currently experiencing, whether in the form of droughts or bad weather, are causing problems for herds on pasture. Hedges and trees in open fields can provide shelter from the wind and rain, and shade in hot weather. On some particularly exposed sites, wind intensity can be reduced by 30-50%. Animals themselves naturally seek out shelter. This thermoregulatory behaviour leaves them less exposed to heat stress and can improve their performance, whether in terms of Average Daily Gain (ADG) for beef cattle and sheep, or milk production. The same applies to poultry and goats for which paddocks or outdoor runs are provided. In excessively hot weather, for example, the behavior of cows changes - rumination is recorded as taking longer, the heart rate also slows, and grass intake is significantly reduced, all of which have an impact on growth and milk production. According to VetAgro Sup, a cow is considered to find itself under heat stress at 22°C and 50% humidity. A well-documented publication on the topic, produced by agroforestry advisors in the Hauts-de-France region, has recently appeared.
Provision of an essential scratching surface
On top of the protection they provide against climate-related hazards, trees and hedges also provide scratching surfaces, an often underestimated contribution to animal welfare. The natural behavior of scratching stimulates blood circulation, acts to relieve stress - particularly where there are dominance relationships - and alleviates some parasite bites.
Other related benefits
These are, of course, in addition to other more frequently mentioned benefits such as :
- maintainance of biodiversity
- combating soil erosion and water run-off
- creation of carbon sinks...
Support from the Chambers of Agriculture
Whether you are interested in the upkeep or new planting of hedges and field trees or in creating a planting plan (particularly in the case of land consolidation), the 140 agroforestry advisors at the Chambers of Agriculture can provide independent, relevant help and advice for your thoughts and projects. Please feel free to contact them.
