Content of calcium and phosphorus and the Ca:P ratio is selected species of leguminous and herbaceous plants

Green fodder plays a key role in nutrition of ruminants, and its quality is determined by the species composition of meadow and pasture swards. Legumes and herbs are generally more abundant in nutrients, especially minerals, than grasses. Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) are particularly important for animal health. The dietary levels of Ca and P should be balanced to increase their availability and utilization. The aim of this study was to determine the content of calcium and phosphorus and the Ca:P ratio in selected legume and herb species from extensively used grasslands in the Olsztyn Lakeland. The study covered the following species of leguminous plants: Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Lotus corniculatus, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus uliginosus and Vicia cracc, and herbaceous plants: Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Plantago lanceolata, Alchemilla vulgaris, Heracleum sibiricum and Cirsium oleraceum. The investigated legumes and herbs differed significantly in their Ca and P content and the Ca: P ratio. All the species were abundant in Ca, and two taxa: Cirsium oleraceum and Heracleum sibiricum, were characterized by particularly high levels of calcium. The highest levels of phosphorus were noted in Heracleum sibiricum, whereas the lowest content of P was determined in Alchemilla vulgaris, Cirsium oleraceum and Trifolium pratense. Cirsium oleraceum was abundant in Ca and deficient in P, hence it was distinguished by the widest Ca:P ratio. Legumes and herbs are valuable components of meadow sward and a rich source of minerals, in particular Ca, in animal diets.