Improving Forage Quality from Permanent Grasslands to Enhance Ruminant Productivity

Barbara Wróbel, Waldemar Zielewicz () and Anna Paszkiewicz-Jasińska
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Barbara Wróbel: Institute of Technology and Life Sciences—National Research Institute, 3 Hrabska Avenue, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland
Waldemar Zielewicz: Department of Grassland and Natural Landscape Sciences, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
Anna Paszkiewicz-Jasińska: Institute of Technology and Life Sciences—National Research Institute, 3 Hrabska Avenue, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 13, 1-46

Abstract: Permanent grasslands play a crucial role in ruminant nutrition, providing cost-effective and nutritionally rich forage. Their effective management is essential for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. This review examines factors affecting forage quality, including environmental conditions, botanical composition, conservation methods, and fertilization strategies. The impact of grassland management practices, such as cutting frequency, grazing systems, and soil fertility enhancement, on forage nutritional value is discussed. Advances in breeding, including genomic selection and molecular techniques, offer opportunities to improve digestibility and resistance to environmental stress. Furthermore, conservation methods, including haymaking and silage production, significantly influence forage quality. Special attention is given to the role of legumes and multi-species swards in enhancing protein content and mineral composition. The review highlights that optimizing forage quality requires an integrated approach, combining agronomic practices, genetic improvements, and sustainable management strategies. Future research should focus on developing resilient forage systems that maintain high nutritional value while adapting to changing climatic conditions.

Keywords: plant factors; environmental factors; pasture management; forage conservation; fertilization; breeding strategies; multi-species sward; climate adaptation; European grasslands (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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