GRASSLAND management and equine nutrition are inextricably linked.

To fulfil their genetic potential, horses require balanced feed rations delivering optimal nutrients.

At Coolmore, grass rations supply what the world-class bloodstock need in all phases of their life from reproduction, growth and development, through to athletic performance.

To keep those rations at their most powerful, Coolmore combines soil health and specific analyses as Grassland and Nutrition Specialist John Corbett explains: “Grass analysis is the best indicator of nutrient value and we analyse our grasses three times a year; in spring when horses are grazing part-time, in the middle of summer when horses are grazing 24/7 and then we re-analyse in autumn.

“The nutrients in the grass directly relate to the health of the soil. The key to the best nutrition is to have excellent fertility in the earth.”

Healthy soil forms the foundation to equine nutrition and keeping a close eye on what is going on within it and also how we manage it takes careful consideration.

As Corbett says: “Aeration and temperature are the secrets to good growth. Every four hectares of soil at Coolmore is sampled on four-yearly rotation. We look at lime, phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and soil microbial respiration – this microbial respiration tells us how active the populations and communities of earth worms and microbes are.

“Following the soil sample results we apply lime accordingly and balance the pH.”

Manure

Careful analyses not only allow Coolmore to monitor the nutritional value of the grass, but also help to reduce the input of artificial fertilisers. The farm supplies enough grass to support both the horses and the cows and, in turn, their valuable by-product.

The cows at Coolmore are completely grass fed and aren’t fed concentrates at all. Coolmore relies on their manures which are all recycled on the farm and spread as compost. Their state-of-the-art composting is done in such a way that the heat kills off weeds, seeds and parasites too and so is of maximum positive benefit to the grasslands.

Grass is the backbone to all activity at Coolmore and is vital for hay and grazing. The farm grows a number of varieties in the pastures including a mixture of natural herbs and legumes which have more nutrient availability than grass. The herbs are also self-seeding.

The grass is grown to be as strong and competitive as possible to keep weeds at bay. Spraying is kept to a very minimum and usually only engaged for docks and nettles if necessary.

The right environment for grass growth is important and Coolmore reseeds about 30-40 acres each year with vital over-seeding after winter. Over-seeding involves the direct drilling of seed into the ground to invigorate the grass with new vibrant growth.

Corbett expands: “Late heading diploid perennial grass complements the existing swards at Coolmore. It establishes quickly and has good tillage properties. We do a complete reseed of 250-300 acres of hay fields which are showing a high percentage of weeds to grass.”

Responsible farming is incredibly important to Coolmore and is at the heart of everything they do. As part of their grassland management plan, they aim to encourage grass growth by eliminating environmental factors which may impact negatively.

As Corbett explains: “The team manage the grassland in such a way that carbon footprint is reduced and they can operate as close to carbon neutrally as possible. Decisions are made with conviction – any decision they make must have a purposeful positive or negative effect on the area under scrutiny.”

Corbett describes the Coolmore method as ‘extensive not intensive’ farming. Stock numbers are kept low in terms of head per acre and all organic matters are treated to stabilise nitrogen.

Coolmore employs all possible technologies to reduce gas emissions. As well as technologies, diversity is used as a powerful tool and the team are constantly planting hedges and trees to sequester carbon.

Analysis

Analysis is the key to knowing not guessing what your quantities are. Certain nutrients can be toxic and over supplementing can be a problem.

For instance, much Irish soil can be seleniferous and so if you supplement selenium on top of that, then the animal can be in receipt of too much.

Close analyses of the soil and other external factors can counteract any imbalances, as Corbett highlights.

“When reseeding for hay we look closely for antagonistic nutrients and make sure they are within or below safe thresholds.

“We check all water sources at Coolmore regularly including testing the wells and drinkers for issues such as e-coli or high fluoride.”

Coolmore horses are fed 60% grass as hay in winter and 90% grass in summer and the team keep a close eye on the seasonal fluctuations in nutrient levels. By keeping analytical records it is possible to monitor trends, and if nutrients fall away the team can positively affect that with informed decisions to increase nutrient levels to optimum levels.

Antagonistic minerals can become a problem with soil fertility and vital microbrial activity and can interfere in the absorption of essential nutrients.

At Coolmore they know the nutrient value of the grass throughout the year and they know the requirements of the horses at all stages of their lives.

Analyses provide facts and facts are the best tool with which to create a balanced ration and to optimise every stage of grassland management for optimum results both on stock and the environment.

Coolmore doesn’t graze sheep but many small farm operations do and Corbett offers up some helpful advice when I ask about their use.

“Sheep should be taken off land by November/December as grass leaf needs to be at 6cm once the temperature rises to enable photosynthesis and encourage enough good grass for spring grazing.”

In terms of soil health, aeration is top of the list, Corbett is quick to extol the virtues of the ring roller over a flat roller. Coolmore uses Cambridge ring rollers because, as he explains: “Compaction is a huge problem for pasture. Harrowing and rolling are the backbone of good growth and the ring roller doesn’t break the structures in the way a flat roller does.”

The main take-homes from the Coolmore team which all of us can apply are soil health through good aeration, regular soil sampling to inform management of nutrients and careful consideration of stock-numbers grazing grassland.