Increasing self-sufficiency in feed through grazing and supplementary feeding

Herbivores rely mainly on grazing and supplementary feeding for their diet. Self-sufficiency in forage depends on an accurate estimate of the areas available for grazing and haymaking. Guidelines on area per livestock unit (LU) help to balance supply and consumption according to the seasons. In spring, an area of 30 ares per LU is recommended; in summer, 45 ares per LU; and in autumn, 50 ares per LU, in order to preserve grass quality and prevent pasture degradation. These indicators vary according to species, body size, physiological stage and level of animal production, particularly for dairy cows, whose LU value ranges from 1.08 to 1.59 depending on production and the level of supplementary feeding.