Project partners

Description

TRIEBWERK is one of Germany’s leading companies in consulting, education and planning in the field of regenerative agriculture and agroforestry. 
Its services range from concept development and practical realization to consulting and monitoring in existing systems. The focus lies on holistically planned agroforestry and grazing systems. In addition to working with agricultural farms, TRIEBWERK offers interdisciplinary educational formats for diverse target groups including students, practitioners, advisors, researchers and policy makers.
Since 2021, a demonstration and seminar farm has been under development in Eschwege (Middle Germany), serving as a platform for future-oriented, practical-based research and education.

Tasks

TRIEBWERK collects and evaluates data on the feeding behaviour of the animals in the agroforestry systems on the practical farms. For a hands-on analysis of fodder leaf systems, qualitative expert interviews are conducted, and economic key indicators are collected. The findings enable recommendations for consulting and practical applications.

TRIEBWERK is also responsible for extensive public outreach and educational work. This includes the continuous update of the project website. Based on the project results, compact information sheets (e.g. utilisation concepts for fodder leaf in agroforestry systems) are created, alongside educational events and networking activities.

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Description

The Research Institute of Farm Animal Biology (FBN) investigates the functional biodiversity of farm animals in the context of their specific husbandry environments and derives solutions for sustainable livestock farming. The focus of the Institute of Nutritional Physiology lies on identifying  of regulatory mechanisms of nutrient conversion in the metabolism of farm animals, contributing to a resource-efficient and animal-appropriate diet. In light of the challenges of climate change, emissions from animal husbandry and the changing demands on livestock, research is conducted on how nutrients are metabolized. This provides insights developing for animal-friendly nutritional strategies. Additionally, the institute examines the influence of the developmental and performance stages, as well as the different agricultural systems in which livestock are kept, on their nutrient requirements and ability to metabolise nutrients. The aim is to contribute to the further development of economic, animal-friendly and resource-efficient livestock farming.

Tasks

The FBN conducts feeding trials with different poplar and pasture species. The aim is to study the digestibility, potential for reducing CH₄ emissions and the impact on mineral balance. Sheep and goats (castrates, wethers, lactating and pregnant animals) will receive a hay-based ration with three different foliage supplements. The feed is analysed in terms of its dry matter, energy and nutrient content, including macronutrients, trace elements and secondary metabolites. For pregnant and lactating animals, the focus is on calcium(Ca) and selenium (Se) supply as well as their oxidative stress status. In addition to the daily measurement of feed intake, the animals’ quantitative excretions  are recorded. Individual methane emission and metabolic heat production are measured in respiration chambers.

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Description

The Department of Livestock Sciences (DNTW) deals with all aspects of farm animal husbandry, nutrition, breeding and hygiene, including aquaculture. Its research approaches range from application-oriented studies based on trials or field studies on commercial farms to fundamental research in molecular biology. The aim of the research activities is to use innovative research approaches, contributing to the production of high-quality, safe animal products using efficient, resource-saving and animal-friendly production methods.  In addition to research in Lower Saxony and Germany, many of the department’s divisions are also involved in international research collaborations and research projects in tropical and subtropical locations.

Tasks

The project activities of the DNTW focus on conservation trials with foliage and branches. Extensive field harvests create practical starting conditions. Fresh fodder leaves are ensiled in various variants in the laboratory to investigate silage potential. In 2024, leafharvesting is conducted at three different time points to determine the influence of harvest timing as well. Subsequently, preference trials with goats will be carried out to investigate which types of foliage are preferred for consumption. 

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Description

Lignovis plans and implements agroforestry systems and agricultural wood plantations for farmers and wood consumers in Europe. To date, Lignovis has planted over 25 million poplars, willows and native tree species on around 4,000 hectares in eight EU countries. The company produces planting material for 16 different poplar varieties for various applications – from energy woodchips to veneer logs. The LignoTech division develops, manufactures, and markets planting machines. A broad international network has been built up over the past 12 years.

Tasks

In addition to providing foliage for the laboratory and feeding trials, Lignovis establishes fodder leaf agroforestry systems on at least four practical farms and is responsible for the establishment phase. These systems are designed and planted with a dual focus: wood production on fodder leaf production are designed and planted. On this basis, foliage harvesting methods, including various harvesting techniques, can be tested.

In addition, Lignovis carries out economic analyses of the established agroforestry systems and various management options. This involves data collection, processing and evaluation. The aim is to create a business-oriented decision-making tool for farmers to help them establish fodder leaf systems. Using these results, Lignovis will  seek dialogue with political decision-makers to advocate for possible future funding programmes supporting the use of fodder leaf systems and agroforestry.