Forage mixtures and legume-rich pastures for goat cheese production

A 89.55-hectare farm in Lozère, France, produces AOP Pélardon and AB-certified goat cheese. Co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (2018–2021), the project improved forage autonomy and quality. Initial self-sufficiency was 13% for feed and 22% for forage. Actions included establishing sainfoin pasture for dual forage and beekeeping, planting a triticale-oat-pea-vetch crop mix, and expanding temporary legume-rich pastures to 1 hectare. Natural pastures (12 ha) and grazing areas (74 ha), including oak and chestnut woodlands, were preserved. Goat numbers dropped from 118 to 108 (2019–2021), with milk yield rising from 608 to 686 litres per goat in 2020 before declining to 673 litres in 2021. Somatic cell counts remained stable (36.9–37.9), and protein content increased slightly.