Maximize feed intake and animal performance on rangeland
The utilization of rangeland diversity on paddock and farm scale
is optimized by complementarities between breeds, animal
categories and individuals. Individual foraging efficiency may be
improved by sharing experience with peers, especially between
more experienced older animals and younger animals. If the
farming system is organized in such a way as to enable animals
to learn to use the diversity of rangeland resources, the farmer
can rely on their ability to select and ingest a diet adapted to
their requirements (but not necessarily to high production
objectives). Given the current knowledge of animal and flock
behaviour, favourable points in the farming system would be
giving access to rangeland vegetation in the early life, mixing
experienced and inexperienced animals, adapting supplementation
and applying high stocking densities to ‘force’ them to test
and eat a diversity of plants. Scientific knowledge about feeding
behaviour still needs to be refined for complex environments
such as rangelands. A better understanding of the criteria
determining foraging behaviour in Mediterranean rangelands is
needed in order to propose specific management options