ruwvoermenging

Ruwvoermenging is the practice of composing a feed ration for ruminant livestock by blending different roughages, such as hay, silage and straw, to meet nutritional requirements while managing costs and intake. The aim is to provide sufficient effective fiber, energy, protein, minerals and vitamins, and to ensure palatability and consistent feed intake. It is widely used in dairy and beef farming, as well as in sheep and goat production.

Common roughage components include grass or meadow hay, legume hay (such as clover or alfalfa), preserved forages like grass or maize silage, and, in some cases, straw or by‑products used to adjust fiber content and bulk. Blends are often designed to combine the advantageous traits of each component, for example higher protein from legumes with reliable energy from silage, while maintaining adequate fiber for rumen function.

Nutritional principles guide ruwvoermenging. Producers monitor crude protein, fiber fractions (NDF and ADF), energy density, minerals and moisture content, and seek a balance that supports the animal’s production stage and health. Adequate effective fiber is important to prevent rumen disorders, while palatability affects intake. Blends should also consider storage, fermentation quality when silage is used, and seasonality of forage availability.

Practical aspects include analyzing forage quality, calculating daily requirements, and ensuring homogeneous mixing. Planning should account for batch variability, feeding infrastructure, and labor. Safety considerations cover monitoring for spoilage, mycotoxins, and mineral imbalances. Overall, ruwvoermenging aims to produce a stable, cost-effective diet that supports animal performance and welfare.