roughages

Roughages, also called forages, are plant-based feeds characterized by high fiber content and relatively low energy density. They are a primary component of ruminant diets and play a key role in maintaining rumen function, promoting mastication, saliva production, and steady fermentation. Roughages vary in quality and are used in grazing systems and in stored feeds alike.

Common roughages include fresh forage such as pasture grasses and legumes, and conserved forms like hay, silage, or haylage. Straw, a byproduct of grain production, is a low-nutrient roughage. Some byproducts such as cottonseed hulls or beet pulp can also serve as roughage substitutes or supplements, depending on processing and inclusion rates.

Nutritional value of roughages depends on fiber composition and digestibility. Higher quality forages contain more crude protein and energy than low-quality roughages but still deliver most energy via rumen fermentation to volatile fatty acids. Fiber fractions, notably neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), influence intake and digestibility.

In diet formulation, roughages provide bulk and rumen maintenance but rarely meet total energy or protein requirements alone. They are typically balanced with concentrates or high-protein feeds. Storage, processing, and feeding strategy affect intake and animal health; spoilage, mold, and fermentation quality are risks to manage.