Feed value of multi-species swards

Multi-species swards are recognised for their high nutritional value, productivity and benefits to livestock health.

When well designed and well managed, multi-species swards can match – and in some cases exceed – the nutritional performance of conventional rye-grass swards while offering greater flexibility across the season.

They usually include a combination of grasses, legumes and herbs, with each group contributing differently to feed value. 

• Grasses provide the bulk of dry matter (DM) and are the main source of metabolisable energy (ME) 

• Legumes add crude protein (CP), improve palatability and support nitrogen supply 

• Herbs add mineral diversity, drought tolerance and bioactive compounds that can support animal health 

Selecting the right grass species is particularly important for achieving consistently high ME, digestibility (D‑value) and seasonal DM production.

Legumes are naturally high in protein, typically supplying 18–25% crude protein, depending on growth stage and management. 

For every 10% increase in the amount of clover in the sward, the CP content of first-cut silage increases by 1%. This makes it particularly valuable for dairy cows, youngstock and finishing livestock. 

Herbs such as chicory and plantain also provide moderate levels of protein, around 12–18%. 

Protein levels decline if plants become mature or stressed, reinforcing the importance of timely grazing or cutting.

Metabolisable energy (ME) is critical for livestock performance.  

Multi-species swards have a high energy content, typically ranging between 10 and 12 MJ/kg DM. However, ME varies throughout the season. 

Grasses, especially perennial rye-grass and meadow fescue, are the main contributors to ME in mixed swards. Legumes also provide good ME when leafy and actively growing. Herbs offer more variable ME. 

Keeping swards leafy and vegetative is the most important factor for maintaining high energy levels.

The same sward mix can deliver very different energy values depending on how it is managed. 

• Rotational grazing keeps plants leafy and digestible, preserving energy and protein 

• Long rest periods or low-intensity mob grazing can allow herbs to flower and become stemmy, increasing fibre and lowering ME 

• Well-planned strip grazing can help balance utilisation while protecting quality 

While species choice matters, grazing strategy and timing are the main drivers of feed value through the season. 

Well-managed multi-species swards typically deliver high levels of DM digestibility (D value), frequently exceeding 70%. 

ME is calculated from digestibility: D‑value (%) × 0.16 = approximate ME (MJ/kg DM) 

The mix of grasses and deep-rooted herbs also provides a balanced fibre profile, supporting rumen function and steady energy release. 

Multi-species swards generally provide a wider range of minerals than grass-only swards. 

Herbs such as plantain and yarrow are particularly high in calcium, magnesium, potassium and trace elements, supporting metabolic, reproductive and immune function in grazing animals. 

Some plants contain bioactive compounds that have antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Chicory and sainfoin, for example, contain compounds linked to reduced internal parasite burdens, while bird’s-foot trefoil contains condensed tannins that can reduce bloat. 

Together, these compounds can improve animal wellbeing and may reduce reliance on supplemental inputs.

Multi-species swards offer livestock a more diverse diet with nutritional benefits. However, it can lead to selective grazing. 

Animals show preferences for certain plants, which can increase voluntary intake and contribute to steady weight gain or milk production. 

Careful grazing management or occasional topping may be needed to maintain sward quality and balance.

Livestock reared on multi-species swards can consistently have higher growth rates than those reared on grass-only swards.  

As a result of the higher nutrient density, improved palatability and extended seasonal growth, beef cattle have shown growth rates of 1.2 kg/day on MSS compared with 0.9–1.0 kg/day on rye-grass-only swards. 

Dairy cows grazing on well-managed swards typically produce milk with: 

• Higher levels of beneficial fatty acids, including omega-3 

• Increased protein and butterfat content 

• Improved consistency in yields 

Bear in mind that some herbs, such as chicory, especially when grazed in large quantities or at mature stages, have been associated with off-flavours or taint in milk.

Dairy cows grazing well-managed multi-species swards generally produce milk with: 

• Higher omega‑3 fatty acid content 

• Improved butterfat and protein 

• More consistent yields during the grazing season

Some herbs, e.g. chicory, can cause tainting in milk if grazed in large quantities, especially when flowering or overmature. 

Taint risk can be reduced by maintaining balanced swards, avoiding overgrazing of dominant herbs and gradually introducing livestock to new leys.