Optimal timing of cattle slurry application boosts pasture quality and animal preference.
The researchers studied how applying cattle slurry at different times affected grazing pasture. They tested four application times (right after grazing, 5th day, 10th day, and 15th day after grazing) and a control plot with no slurry. They found that applying slurry within 5 or 10 days after grazing led to higher animal preference and pasture efficiency. The grass growth and nutritive value were similar across all treatments, but the timing of slurry application significantly influenced how much the animals liked grazing on the pasture and how well the pasture was utilized. The best results were seen when slurry was applied right after grazing or within 5 days after.