Forage services provided by permanent grassland: grass production and feeding value for ruminants

Forage services provided by permanent grassland: grass production and feeding value for ruminants Permanent grassland represents 50 % of feed resources for herbivorous livestock. The decreasing area of permanent grassland is tied to the non recognition of its forage value. Forage services provided by grassland depend on seasonal dynamics and the quality of grass production. The forage potential of permanent grassland (production and feeding value) can in certain cases equal that of sown grassland. Forage potential varies depending on the functional composition of vegetation. Different types of grassland have been defined in this way, on a regional and national scale, based on vegetation descriptors. Despite certain 'shortcomings' (lower productivity, difficult environment), permanent grassland is now recognized for the forage services it provides on a small and larger scale (field, farm, landscape). Grassland diversity also contributes to sustaining grassland-based systems.