Effects of Fluidized Bed Combustion Residue on the Health and Performance of Sheep Grazing Hill Pastures

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of application of fluidized bed combustion residue (FBCR), a product resulting from the removal of S from high‐S coals, was compared with application of dolomitic limestone, or no treatment, on the performance of ewes (Ovis aries) grazing hill pastures over a 3‐yr period. Pastures were treated with FBCR and limestone twice per annum and ewes with their lambs grazed at two stocking rates from late April to October. Herbage analysis showed increases in Ca concentration in FBCR and lime‐treated pasture vs. control, a higher level of S in FBCR vs. lime‐treated herbage, but no differences in microelement concentrations due to treatment. There were no differences in weight gains of either ewes or lambs within years due to treatment, and no effect of treatment on blood hematocrit levels. Ewes were killed before and after the 3‐yr trials, and lambs were sacrificed before and after each grazing season, to determine the effect of FBCR application on mineral accumulation in the carcass or organs of the animals. There were either no differences or small differences in the concentrations of macro‐ and microelements in the carcass, liver, and kidney of ewes and lambs associated with treatment, and tissue concentrations of elements were within normal ranges. The results confirm studies with rats (Rattus rattus), hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), and pigs (Sus scrofa) showing that treatment of agricultural soils with high levels of FBCR as a liming or fertilizing agent causes no adverse effects on composition of food crops or herbage, or on the health and productivity of animals consuming diets produced on such soils.