Multi-species pastures and feed efficiency in goat farming

The project, funded by FEDER under the 'Occitanie Agit' initiative (2018–2021), improved feed efficiency and milk composition on a goat farm in Occitanie. Despite rising feed and mechanisation costs, total production costs per goat remained stable at €360. Milk prices increased from €342 to €460 per 1,000 litres due to quality improvements. The farm achieved 93% roughage and 13% concentrate self-sufficiency by 2021, with maize silage critical for energy. Protein autonomy remained low, prompting efforts to enhance pastures with legume mixes and test protein crops like lupin and peas. Although soybean meal use was not fully reduced, financial flexibility allowed for future adjustments. Key recommendations include improving pasture quality, expanding cereal and protein crop integration, and ongoing monitoring of feed costs and animal health.