What do pigs eat when they are released in a practice known as pannage?

Pannage refers to the practice of allowing pigs to forage freely in woodlands, particularly during the autumn months when acorns are abundant. During this time, pigs consume acorns as a primary food source, which are high in calories and beneficial for their diet. This natural foraging behavior takes advantage of the seasonal availability of acorns in forests, especially oak woodlands.

While pigs can eat a variety of foods, including grass, fruits, and roots, acorns are particularly significant during the pannage season due to their nutritional value and the pigs' natural instinct to seek them out. This traditional method not only helps in managing the pigs' diet but also supports land management practices by helping to clear the forest floor of excess acorns, which can otherwise contribute to issues like overpopulation of oak seedlings. Thus, the relationship between pigs and acorns during pannage captures both agricultural practice and natural foraging behavior.