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The Farm’s Natural Medicine Chest: Using Herbs, Pasture & Trees to Boost Livestock Minerals

Mineral deficiency in livestock is one of those issues that creeps up on you. You might not notice it until productivity drops, fertility stumbles, or immunity takes a dive. But here’s the good news: the farm itself can be your natural medicine chest—if you know where to look.

I’m a farmer and vet with years in the field, and I’ve seen first-hand how nature can meet the nutritional needs of livestock. With the right mix of herbs, trees, and diverse pastures, we can support animals the way nature intended—while building soil health and biodiversity along the way.

Why Do Minerals Matter?

Animals need a steady, balanced intake of both macro and trace minerals for:

  • Healthy growth
  • Reproduction
  • Immunity
  • Strong bones and metabolic function

Common deficiencies include:

  • Calcium
  • Phosphorus
  • Magnesium
  • Copper, Zinc, Selenium, and other trace minerals


You could keep chucking tubs of mineral lick at them—or you could help them access minerals more naturally through their environment and forage.

The Farm As Medicine Chest

With a little attention to how we manage hedgerows, swards, and woodland, we can give our livestock the chance to self-select and get the nutrients they need directly from:

  • Herbs
  • Forbes
  • Pasture grasses
  • Trees


This isn’t just good for the animals—it’s the heart of regenerative farming and holistic animal health.

Mineral-Rich Herbs, Grasses & Forbes

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a highly nutritious forage rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It also contains trace minerals such as copper and zinc. Alfalfa supports bone development, muscle function, and overall growth, making it a valuable addition to livestock diets.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is another beneficial forb that offers significant amounts of potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. Chicory’s deep roots help it absorb minerals from deeper soil layers, providing livestock with a rich source of nutrients. It also has natural anthelmintic properties, which can help control internal parasites.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is known for its high calcium and magnesium content. These minerals are crucial for lactating animals, supporting milk production and overall health. Red clover is also rich in protein, enhancing its nutritional value for grazing livestock.

Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is a common pasture grass that provides a good source of calcium and phosphorus, essential for skeletal health and metabolic functions. It is palatable and easily digestible, making it a preferred choice for many farmers.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), often considered a weed, is actually a nutrient powerhouse. It is rich in calcium, potassium, and iron. Dandelions can be grazed directly by livestock or included in mixed forage, contributing to mineral intake and supporting overall health.

Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is a versatile forb that offers high levels of calcium and magnesium. It also contains various vitamins and trace minerals, supporting a robust immune system and enhancing growth.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is an herb packed with iron, calcium, and magnesium. It can be dried and mixed into feed or offered fresh. Nettle supports blood health and muscle function, making it a valuable dietary component for livestock.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is known for its high calcium and potassium content. It promotes bone health and aids in overall growth and development. Comfrey leaves can be used fresh or dried as part of a balanced diet.

Mineral-Rich Trees for Browsing

Allowing livestock to browse trees and hedgerows isn’t just natural—it’s smart. Animals often self-select what they need and trees offer minerals that are sometimes lacking in pasture.

Willow (Salix spp.):  Willow leaves and bark can provide important trace minerals, particularly zinc and selenium, which are crucial for immune function and reproductive health in livestock.

Hazel (Corylus avellana):  Hazel leaves and nuts can supplement the diet with essential minerals  of calcium, magnesium, and iron which support bone health, muscle function, and blood production.

Alder (Alnus glutinosa):  Alder is high in nitrogen-fixing properties, indirectly contributing to soil fertility and increasing the mineral content in surrounding plants. Alders improve soil quality, enhancing overall pasture nutrition. Livestock can browse on alder leaves, which offer minerals such as calcium and potassium.  

Ash (Fraxinus excelsior): The Ash tree Provides calcium, potassium, and magnesium which are essential for skeletal health, metabolic function, and overall growth in livestock.

Birch (Betula spp.):  Birch leaves and bark can be browsed by livestock, offering a natural source of potassium, calcium and trace amounts of manganese and zinc which contribute to healthy muscle function and immune support.

Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus): The Sycamore contains calcium, potassium, and manganese which  support bone health and metabolic processes.

Oak (Quercus spp.): While oak leaves and acorns should be fed in moderation due to tannins (this can also be a benefit for worm and parasite management), they can offer valuable minerals that support digestion and overall health such as calcium, magnesium, and trace elements such as zinc.

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna): Hawthorn leaves and berries can be beneficial for cardiovascular health in livestock, providing essential minerals that support heart function.

Natural Sources of Essential Minerals

Why Grow Your Own Mineral Sources?

  • Reduces supplement costs over time
  • Supports animal welfare and health naturally
  • Enhances biodiversity and regenerative pasture systems
  • Boosts soil microbiome and resilience


Farmers using herbal leys and diverse swards are seeing the benefits—not just in healthier animals, but in healthier soils and ecosystems too.

Don't Forget to Monitor

As always, it’s wise to back this up with:
  • Soil and forage testing
  • Observing your animals’ behaviour and condition
  • Making small, adaptive changes over time

References

  • Forage and Grazing Terminology Committee (2001). Terminology for Grazing Lands and Grazing Animals. Forages: The Science of Grassland Agriculture.
  • Carter, J. (2007). Agroforestry: Trees for Livestock on Farms. Natural Resources Conservation Service.
  • National Research Council (NRC) (2005). Mineral Tolerance of Animals: Second Revised Edition. The National Academies Press.
  • Muir, J.P., Pitman, W.D., & Foster, J.L. (2011). Sustainable Protein Sources: The Role of Legumes in Human Nutrition and Forage Production Systems.


These references include general agroforestry and forage science literature, as well as specific data on the mineral content of various plants. Regular testing of pasture and soil on the farm is recommended to ensure optimal mineral content and availability.

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