HortNews
	Coppicing Of Willows, Poplars Keeps Farm Animals Alive

WELLINGTON 18/02/2003 - Sheep fed on willow and poplar leaves not only survive drought conditions but thrive, according to feed trials carried out by Massey University and Wellington Regional Council.

Researchers will discuss the results of their trials - using willow and poplar as supplement feeds under drought conditions - at demonstration days to be held in Wairarapa, Hawke's Bay and Rangitikei over the next two weeks.

Professor Tom Barry said the three-year trial was of particularly relevance this year, with drought threatening much of the East Coast and lower North Island.

Results from the first two years of trials had shown ewes farmed under drought conditions not only fared well on measured supplements of willow and poplar, but those fed 1.5kg per day also recorded lambing percentages comparable to ewes grazed under normal conditions.

The higher lambing percentage than had been expected was probably due to the condensed tannins in the willow and poplar, he said.

The field days will include results of feed supplement tests made by Prof Barry and doctoral student Eileen McWilliam at Riverside, economic analysis of poplar and willow as feed supplements, estimating the forage potential of willow and poplar trees, and experiences of the host farmers.

Demonstration days are to be held in Hawke's Bay on February 27 at Geoff Horton's Castle Hill Station, near Havelock North; Riverside Farm near Masterton on March 4; and at Denis Hocking's Bull's property, at Rangitikei, on March 5.

More information is available from: www.hortresearch.co.nz/projects/fodder/