Inventory of potential winter pastures in Sweden - a solution for future feed shortages?

Background

Floods and droughts due to climate change are factors that have increased the risk of shortages of winter feed for our forage-eating domestic animals in the future. In this project, we therefore want to investigate to what extent winter grazing can be a useful resource to manage a possible forage shortage in Sweden in the future.

Goal

The aim of the study is to inventory pastures grazed during the previous summer in southern and central Sweden to get an idea of the amount and quality of pasture available during the winter months. The aim is to find out if pasture quantity and quality is sufficient to meet all or part of the forage needs of grazing animals during the winter months as a strategy to cope with forage shortages in the future. The hypothesis of the study is that there are pastures suitable for winter grazing in Sweden that can fully or partially serve as a source of forage for grazing animals also during the winter months.

Project description

The aim is to collect a reference material of different pastures' nutrient content and available pasture quantity in winter in different parts of southern and central Sweden, which can be used as a basis for practical recommendations in situations of forage shortage in the future.

Method

The practical part of the study is planned to be carried out during the winter season 2025/2026, before the growing season starts. Pastures scattered in southern and central Sweden will be inventoried. As a thesis worker in this project, you will, under supervision, travel to these pastures and test them for pasture quantity and nutritional quality, compile the results and write a report.

Specifications

The project is suitable for students in animal science, biology or veterinary medicine and a degree project of at least 30 credits. Driving license is a requirement.