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Forage is defined as herbaceous plant material (mainly grasses, legumes, aquatic plants and leaves from bushes and trees) eaten by animals, either in fresh or preserved form. Forages are usually high in the fibrous components of plants (cell walls), and there are several analytical methods and definitions for "fibre", the most common being "crude fibre" and "neutral detergent fiber". Feeding fibrous feeds to pigs generally results in increased rate of passage of digesta through the gut, and reduced total tract nutrient digestibility, although the effect is very variable and decreases with time of adaptation and age. Feeding forages can also reduce the incidence of stomach ulcers and diarrhea in growing pigs. Forages can be combined with energy sources such as cassava root meal or sugar cane juice that are low in fibre and protein, and as the resulting amino acid balance is superior to that of conventional diets based on soybeans and cereals, the overall protein content of the diet can be reduced. In addition, competition with humans for these grains is reduced. Forages can supply all of the protein and a high proportion of the vitamins and minerals required by pregnant sows, and their bulkiness helps reduce hunger-related stress symptoms. There is some evidence that indigenous breeds can digest and utilize fibrous feeds more efficiently than exotics. Forages are inexpensive and can be produced on-farm, leading to increased profitability and sustainability.