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For technical, economic, and product marketing reasons, farmers aim for greater self-sufficiency in feeding their livestock (i.e., feed autonomy). 128 dairy cattle farms in the semi-arid Setif region (Algeria) were surveyed to gauge their level of autonomy. Nine criteria were used: for thy matter (DM), energy, and protein, overall autonomy as well as fodder autonomy and concentrate autonomy were determined. Farms demonstrated low levels of overall autonomy (33% for DM, 26% for energy, and 29% for protein); however, they were more autonomous in their use of fodder (61% for DM) than in their use of concentrates (6% for DM). Four different types of farming systems were identified, but farming system type had a minimal effect on feed autonomy. In general, large farms (those producing grains and livestock) were more autonomous overall. System-specific differences in autonomy were explained by variables related to farming intensity.