The Lucerne Tree as Fodder for Horses

Mar 18, 2011
Chris Thomas

A Flowering Lucerne Tree - Forest and Kim Starr

Otherwise known as Tagasaste, the Lucerne tree is fairly popular as a fodder tree. It grows well in dry environments, offering grazing in times of drought.

Fairly common in North East Australia, both on farms and around the countryside, this tree is beneficial in this climate due to growing well in dry environments. When grazing is limited, fodder trees are great as the leaves can be stripped from the tree and fed as forage.

Tagasaste is more recognised by those that have cattle and sheep as stock but the plant is also palatable to the horse. Fodder trees are recognised as having some appealing characteristics:

Provision of more feed that pasture at times
Deep roots meaning that fodder can be provided in dry conditions due to the root systems being able to access water that is well below the surface
High protein levels – this is important for muscle growth and repair
Fixing nitrogen in the soil due to being legumes – this can minimise the need for fertiliser with nitrogen
Many are fire resistant and provide effective windbreaks

Other Benefits of Tagasaste

Growing fodder trees on the horse property can have many benefits other than making forage available in times when grass may be scarce. Trees are a natural way to provide shade to horses while at the same time improving the value of a property and making it more aesthetically pleasing. They can also provide protection from the rain and create effective windbreaks.

Trees can also help to provide an environment for local wildlife, with birds having an area to nest. These can be beneficial for the overall ecology of the area and can assist in keeping insect pests to a minimum.

Facts About the Lucerne Tree

Tagasaste is an evergreen that will reach maximum height within a few years. It flowers in summer and after this, numerous seed pods form. It may be possible to collect the black seeds from recognised Lucerne trees and grow some trees for the property in a cost effective manner.

For those with Tagasaste already growing on the property, prevention of reseeding and invading natural vegetation may be warranted. This can be achieved by pruning or grazing plants to prevent flowering. For quick and effective shade while waiting for these trees to grow, shelters or shade cloths can be erected in the paddock.

There are other options when it comes to growing fodder trees for the horse. Some examples are paulownias, carob and honey locust. Deciduous fodder trees such as willows and poplars can be beneficial if planted on the north side of yards or paddocks. In this way they will provide shade in summer months and allow sun through in winter months when their leaves have been lost.

Reference:

Managing Horses on Small Properties by Jane Myers, copyright Jane Myers, 2005. ISBN 0 643 09067 3. Printed in Australia by BPA Print Group. Available from Landlinks Press, 150 Oxford Street (PO Box 1139), Collingwood, Vic 3066, Australia