The Effect of Grassland-based Forages on Milk Quality and Quantity

Grassland is the first land use in the agricultural areas (AA) of Europe, covering, with rangeland, 56 million ha (33% of AA in EU). Grasslands are characterized by multiple functions and values but one of the most important is forage production for ruminants. In the “grassland region” milk production is connected with grassland management and proper utilisation, whereas in other parts of Europe milk production is based on maize and concentrates. Unfortunately, grassland, particularly grazing, seems to be less important than in the past. Milk quality depends on animal feed. Milk and meat produced from grassland, particularly from botanically diverse pastures, have higher concentrations of those fatty acids and antioxidants which are considered to be of benefit to human health.