Almeida, J.P.F.Andrade, C.S.C.R.Rodrigues, A.M.2018-05-232018-05-232016ALMEIDA, J.P.F.; ANDRADE, C.S.C.R.; RODRIGUES, A.M. (2016) - Production, nutritive and feeding value of Portuguese Mediterranean annual type rainfeed pastures - Castelo Branco. Agroforum : Revista da Escola Superior Agrária de Castelo Branco. ISSN 0872-2617. Ano 23:37, p. 7-10.0872-2617http://hdl.handle.net/10400.11/6084Subterranean clover pastures (SC) have a higher nutritive value than Portuguese natural pastures (NP). However, this assumption does not include anti - quality factors and potential intake (determined by stocking rates - SR). Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that advantages of SC over NP are different if we consider feeding value (FV=nutritive value x intake x SR) instead nutritive value (NV) alone. Productivity of SC and NP was compared at Castelo Branco region, Portugal. Nutritive value components used for contrasts were: dry matter (DM), metabolizable energy, crude protein (CP) and ADF concentrations. Nutrient requirements of a merino ewe (50 kg live weight, 0.53 kg milk day-1 in 150 days) were considered. Minimum levels assumed for daily intake were 1.48 kg DM with 21% ADF and 40% DM. NV results per se do not match with FV. Apparently, NV limits milk production only in the end of spring, due to CP%. However, considering FV and the limitations to intake, autumn and winter periods presented stronger limitations to sheep production on SC than NP. To achieve nutritional balance, SC demand more roughage per year and ewe than NP: roughage 90 kg vs 45 kg and less concentrate 11 kg vs 12 kg, respectively.engBiodiverse pasturesNatural pasturesSubterranean cloverGrazingNutritionjournal article