Forage quality of Nardus stricta pasture from two Pyrenean valleys in Andorra

(ENG) The Andorran Nardus stricta pastures are found above the timberline in high mountains with long lasting snow. These acidophilus grasslands were intensely grazed in the past but now have light stocking rates. They represent 6 % of the total surface of Andorra and 30 % of the total grasslands. In this work, we evaluate and compare the forage quality (measured by NIRS method) of two different Nardus stricta pastures from different valleys (Madriu-Perafita-Claror and Ordino). The results show two different groups: one related to CP, DP and UFL and the related to a high fibre content (DAF and CF). Keywords: Pyrenees, pastures, quality, Nardus stricta Introduction For many centuries the Nardus stricta pastures have been used by cattle during the summer months, from the beginning of July to the end of September. The cattle's breed and the seasonal stoking rate that the pastures have experienced over the last few years, make a future change foreseeable in composition and quality of these pastures. From the beginning of the last century to the fifties, the sheep's numbers have decreased drastically from 17,800 to 1,586 animals, followed by a light increase (2,400 in the year 2004) (Pérez et al., 2005). The cattle and the equine livestock have followed a similar pattern. Another change which stands out is the increase in equine numbers during the nineties due to horse riding activities in the tourist sector (Sáez y Bárcena, 2001). In general and in all grasslands, the stoking rate has diminished. The aim of this work is to relate the actual forage quality of these grasslands (measurement by means of analysis NIRS) and their floristic composition.