Valorisation of herbage by free-range sows

The aim of this article is to summarize the knowledge gained over seven years of livestock trials and observation.The various results obtained suggest that in a free-range sow farming context, grass cover promotes the recycling of manure since the grass is able to tap reserves of fertilisers required for its growth. Through its effects on the fatty acid profile, grass intake helps to improve the nutritional qualities of the sows’ meat and milk. Similarly, the presence of a permanent grass cover reduces losses before weaning, and grazing contributes to the well-being of free-range sows.