Hedges for Dairy Cows: Nutritional Benefits and Soil Enhancement

Hedges enhance cattle nutrition and farm resilience by providing mineral-rich leaves from species like oak, hawthorn, hazel, and willow. These trees improve soil quality, offer shade, and support animal health through high protein, calcium, and trace mineral content. Leaves with condensed tannins reduce parasite loads and improve nitrogen efficiency. Willow leaves contain salicylic acid, aiding in calving. Hedges also act as nutrient pumps, enhancing grass productivity and water infiltration. The Houtwal 2.0 project promotes climate-resilient, multi-functional hedges through farmer and research collaboration.