Willow Leaves Could Transform Cattle Farming

New Research Reveals Willow Leaves Can Reduce Ammonia and Nitrous Oxide Emissions in Cattle by Up To 81%

An exciting discovery from the Research Institute of Farm Animal Biology (FBN) and universities in Rostock, Munich, and Vienna shows that willow leaves can dramatically reduce nitrogen emissions from cattle farming. The study, published in Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, indicates that this natural feed additive can reduce ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions by as much as 81%.

Nitrogen compounds like ammonia and nitrous oxide are key contributors to environmental pollution and climate change.

Ammonia can harm ecosystems by acidifying soils, while nitrous oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas, with a climate impact far exceeding that of carbon dioxide.

A significant source of these emissions comes from the urine of grazing cattle, making pasture farming a major contributor.

The researchers found that salicylate compounds in willow leaves help reduce these harmful emissions. Cattle fed with willow leaves showed 14% less ammonia and 81% less nitrous oxide in their urine, compared to cattle that were not fed the leaves.

"Willow foliage is a locally available, renewable raw material that is particularly suitable as a natural feed supplement for pasture farming—where other solutions fail," explained Dr. Björn Kuhla, head of the FBN’s research group.

This finding highlights the potential of willow leaves not only as a traditional medicinal plant but also as a viable option for sustainable livestock nutrition.

Further research is underway to confirm the results in real-world farming conditions and to explore other trees, like poplar, that could offer similar benefits.

By integrating trees like willows into pasture systems, farmers may be able to reduce emissions, improve soil health, and make their operations more environmentally friendly, while maintaining productivity.