Which of the following is a primary function of forage?

The primary function of forage is to serve as animal feed. Forage refers to the plant material, primarily leaves and stems, that is eaten by grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats. Forage is crucial in livestock production because it provides essential nutrients required for the growth, reproduction, and overall health of the animals. It includes various grasses, legumes, and forbs that are cultivated or found in natural pastures, and their nutritional value can significantly impact the productivity and efficiency of the livestock.

In agricultural practices, ensuring an adequate supply of high-quality forage is vital for sustainable animal husbandry, particularly for ruminants that rely heavily on fibrous plant material for their diet. This use of forage maximizes the conversion of sunlight into food energy, supporting the livestock industry's demands for protein and other nutrients.

Other options, while relevant to agricultural practices, do not align with the primary purpose of forage. Ground cover can help prevent soil erosion and improve soil health, ornamental plants serve aesthetic purposes rather than livestock nutrition, and the stabilization of soil erosion is a significant environmental function but is not the defining characteristic of forage.