Grain mixtures and multi-species pastures for climate resilience

The farm in Lot, France, manages 280 goats and 37 dairy cows across 107.21 hectares, focusing on improving multi-species pastures, reducing feed costs, and enhancing climate resilience from 2018 to 2021. Key changes include increased alfalfa (16.0 ha), reduced temporary meadows, and introduction of vetch, peas, and sorghum. Milk yield per goat dropped from 563 kg to 454 kg, but butterfat and protein content improved. Concentrate use per litre declined, and herd renewal was driven by health-related losses, enabling longer lactation. Feed autonomy reached 70%, with forage at 90% and concentrate autonomy rising from 21% to 32%. A photovoltaic shelter was installed, mechanisation costs decreased, and milk prices rose by €130. The project was co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund and Occitanie region. Climate impacts on forage crops remain a challenge. Medium-term goal: reduce concentrate use to 500g per litre of milk. MAT values were used for crop mixture management.