foragebased

Foragebased refers to feeding strategies in which forages—such as pastures, grazed forage, hay, silage, and other roughages—form the primary source of nutrition for farm animals, with concentrates used only to supplement when needed. The term is often applied to ruminant systems, including dairy and beef cattle, sheep, and goats, but can also describe mixed farming approaches that emphasise forage production and utilisation.

Common practices include pastoral or rotational grazing, where livestock are moved between paddocks to maximise forage growth and intake; the use of conserved forages to support winter or dry-season feeding; and the integration of legumes or high-protein forages to meet crude protein requirements. While forage is the main energy and nutrient source, minerals, vitamins, and occasional energy-rich concentrates may be added to address specific deficits or production goals.

Potential benefits of foragebased systems include improved rumen health due to high-fiber, physically effective fiber; enhanced animal welfare from natural grazing behavior; and opportunities for soil health and biodiversity through diverse pastures and reduced reliance on external feed inputs. Environmental considerations include potential reductions in feed-related emissions per unit of product and benefits from pasture carbon sequestration, though emissions and nutrient losses can vary with management and forage quality.

Challenges include variability in forage supply and quality, seasonal production constraints, and the need for careful ration balancing to meet energy, protein, and mineral requirements without relying heavily on concentrates. The approach is widely used in dairy and beef sectors and is tailored to regional climate, pasture productivity, and market goals.