Strategies to mitigate seasonality of production in grassland-based systems.

1.Fertilisation use and manipulation can cost-effectively alter species composition, increase seasonal herbage production and improve herbage quality. 2.Choice of suitable grassland species, varieties and mixtures offers opportunity to mitigate limitations of seasonal grassland production. 3.Special purpose fodder crops, cereals, shrubs and trees offer alternative or supplementary feed sources. 4.Manipulation of stocking rates, grazing systems, transhumance and pasture management at various times of the season are significant advantageous options. 5.Integration of different strategies is essential to mitigate seasonality in systems of animal production that must be inherently more sustainable over a longer time frame.