Improving Forage Quality from Permanent Grasslands to Enhance Ruminant Productivity

Summary

This narrative review examines factors influencing forage quality from permanent grasslands used in ruminant feeding systems, including environmental conditions, management practices (cutting frequency, grazing systems, soil fertility), conservation methods (haymaking, silage), and emerging breeding technologies. The authors argue that optimising forage quality requires an integrated approach combining agronomic practices, genomic selection, and sustainable management, particularly through incorporation of legumes and multi-species swards. The review emphasises the need for future research on resilient forage systems that maintain nutritional value whilst adapting to climatic change.

Regional applicability

The findings are highly applicable to UK grassland-based livestock systems, particularly for dairy and beef production reliant on permanent pastures. UK farmers may benefit from the emphasis on legume incorporation, multi-species swards, and adapted grazing management to enhance forage quality under variable climatic conditions.

Key measures

Forage crude protein content (%); neutral detergent fibre (NDF); acid detergent fibre (ADF); dry matter digestibility (%); metabolisable energy (MJ/kg DM); ruminant milk or meat productivity indicators; mineral composition; botanical composition; resilience to environmental stress

Outcomes reported

The review synthesises evidence on factors affecting forage quality from permanent grasslands, including management practices, conservation methods, and breeding approaches. It evaluates how integrated agronomic, genetic, and sustainability strategies optimise nutritional value for ruminant productivity.

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