Some commercial cows eat a peculiar diet. Once, Skittles were shipped by truck to a Wisconsin cattle farm. Today, many farmers use rejected candies and baked goods to supplement their diets, reducing their overall feed costs. Some farmers even consider their cows to be fruit bats, as they go absolutely nuts when they see a bucket of fruit! But what do cows actually like to eat for treats?
Contents
Blueberries
Many people feed their cows with the leftovers from the harvest. These fruits contain a variety of vitamins and minerals that make them excellent treats for your cows. Apples are a good source of potassium. This mineral affects carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid uptake, and protein synthesis in cows. It also boosts an animal’s immune system and milk product. Cows love seasonal fruits such as kiwi and blueberries. Keep in mind that they are hard to chew for cows, so use caution when feeding them.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a great treat for cows. It’s not only tasty, but cows can also enjoy eating the seeds. Most cattle farmers feed their cows watermelon with its seeds. Watermelon is 92% water, which is great for keeping cows hydrated during the summer months. It’s also rich in vitamins A, B6, and C. Cows will go crazy for this treat.
Cactus
The main benefit of feeding cattle cactus as a treat is that it contains highly soluble carbohydrates, calcium, potassium, and vitamin A. Compared to corn, cactus is also very low in protein and is an excellent source of energy. Cattle feeds that contain linseed and flax/cactus are also beneficial. Both cactus and flax/linseed provide a good source of protein and are healthy for dairy cows. However, cows will not eat ponderosa, datura, or their young shoots, which are also unpalatable for cattle and can cause death. Algae poisoning can also cause difficulty breathing, convulsions, and even death.
Nightshades
Black nightshade is a poisonous plant that is widely found in grasslands and wooded areas. It is toxic to livestock and humans, but it is generally unpalatable to animals. Livestock can get poisoned from the leaves, stems, and berries. They may also ingest contaminated grain. Livestock can suffer acute or chronic poisoning from nightshades. Acute nightshade poisoning may result in paralysis or death within hours. Chronic night-shade poisoning may lead to emaciation, a rough coat, constipation, and ascites.
Carrots
There are many health benefits to feeding cows carrots. The nutrients they contain improve the nutritional quality of milk. Carrots are inexpensive and easy to grow in the backyard or market. They can also be bought from a reputable source without pesticides. This treat is a great way to increase the nutritional value of cow milk and help prevent deficiency of vitamin A. Carrots also make great treats for your cows because they are easy to prepare.
Apples
A popular treat for cows is apples. These luscious fruits contain important nutrients and vitamins that make them healthy and balanced. Cows enjoy apples and they often munch them on trees. However, large amounts of apples can lead to bloating, so make sure that you remove any large quantities from your property before feeding your cows. When possible, you should feed your cows in smaller portions. You should also watch out for cows that pick apples off branches.
