Grundfoder

Grundfoder is a term used in Nordic livestock farming to denote the base component of an animal's diet. It refers to forage-based feeds that provide bulk, energy, and fiber and form the foundation of a ration for ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats, as well as horses. In typical practice, grundfoder is fed together with concentrates to ensure that all nutritional requirements are met throughout the production cycle.

Common forms of grundfoder include grazed pasture, hay, haylage, and silage, as well as roughage such as straw and by-products used as feed. The exact mix depends on climate, season, farm resources, and production goals. In many systems, much of an animal's daily intake is supplied by grundfoder, with concentrates added to adjust energy and protein levels as needed.

Nutritional quality is important; grundfoder is evaluated by factors such as energy value, crude protein content, and fiber concentration. High-quality forage supports rumen function, feed efficiency, and animal health, while poor-quality forage may necessitate greater supplementation with concentrates and minerals to maintain performance.

Management and regulation: Farmers monitor feed quality through on-farm analyses or supplier information, balance rations to species and life stage, and ensure feed safety and traceability in line with national regulations. The term underscores the role of forage as the dietary base in sustainable animal production.