Kleegrasaufnahme von tragenden Sauen im Freiland

Knowledge of the quality and quantity of roughage consumed by sows is necessary in order to adapt the composition and quantity of concentrate mixtures to the sows' needs. In free-range systems, however, it is difficult to measure the quantity of roughage consumed by the animals. In the present study, the fresh and dry matter as well as the energy content of the clover-grass growth of a pasture area were determined in two trial years using weekly cut samples. In both trial years, the energy requirements of the sows could theoretically be met from the existing pasture. The method was easy to apply and could be used to estimate the yield and quality of the pasture.