Cows eat a variety of different things. This includes grass, hay, and byproducts from the human food supply chain.
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Grass
Grass is what cows eat. If you’ve never been inside a cattle corral, you’re in for a treat. In fact, the best time to see these creatures is during the mating season. While you may have to get up close and personal, there is no shortage of oomph to be had. You’ll also find it to be a social event. Most farms have some sort of communal dining area, which means you’re never too far from a friend or two. For the most part, they graze on a variety of native grasses like alfalfa, clover and clovers. Those aforementioned plant species make for some pretty tasty milk. It’s not surprising, then, that ruminant milkers like these are among the cheapest to feed and keep.
Of course, like all livestock, it is imperative that you provide a wholesome diet, sans the booze. Having said that, there are a number of ways to ensure your kin survive the coming months with minimal effort.
Silage
Silage is a type of conserved grass that is usually fed to cattle. There are many factors that determine the quality of silage. A good silage should have a pleasant vinegar smell, have an acidic taste, and contain no mold.
The ensiling process is crucial for producing a good silage. It involves the chopping, wrapping, and packing of a crop. If the crop is not chopped properly, the silage will be unpalatable. In addition, improper ensiling can lead to undesirable fermentation.
The main goal of silage management is to reduce oxygen levels as quickly as possible. When the silage is exposed to air, bacteria and yeast begin to grow. These microorganisms will convert plant carbohydrates to heat, carbon dioxide, and acids. However, if a lot of these microorganisms are present, it can cause respiratory hazards.
Hay
Hay is one of the most common foods that livestock farmers feed. It is affordable, easy to handle, and provides plenty of nutrition for animals. In fact, it is also beneficial for other types of livestock such as goats and pigs.
When choosing hay, farmers look for a good balance of nutrients. A variety of grasses and legumes are commonly mixed. Legumes are higher in protein and calcium than grass.
In the United States, timothy is the most common type of grass. Other common grasses include bluegrass, Bermuda, brome, and orchard grass. All of these hays are excellent sources of fiber. Fiber assists in chewing, saliva production, and rumen function.
A high-quality hay is palatable and tasty to most livestock. For best results, choose a hay that is at least 18 to 22 percent moisture. If the hay is too dry, the animal will be unable to digest it properly.
Potato waste
The use of potatoes as livestock feed is a common practice. Although they are low in protein, they are packed with energy. They can be used as a cheap source of carbohydrates for grass fed cattle.
However, it’s important to remember that potatoes are not a forage substitute. Cows still need forages to ensure rumen health. And potatoes should be used only as a supplement to another source of protein rich feed.
Many farmers choose to incorporate potatoes into their rations when the price of hay, corn, and other feed sources are prohibitive. When this happens, potatoes can provide a significant boost to the performance of cattle.
A dry mix of potatoes, hay, and grass can be spread two to three inches deep in a pasture. It contains the same nutrient content as corn silage, but has the advantage of staying fresh through cold months.
Byproducts from the human food supply chain
For many years, cattle have been fed with food waste. In the United States, over 40% of dairy cow’s diet consists of byproducts. The livestock industry contributes about 12 percent of GDP and 40% of the agricultural sector. But the contribution would be even greater if these animal byproducts were used more efficiently.
Food byproducts are leftovers from crops grown for human consumption. These byproducts are generally decomposed under anaerobic conditions, producing methane. However, sending food byproducts to landfill has a large environmental impact.
Some edible byproducts can be processed and used for food, but many are inedible. A few may be acceptable depending on the nutrient content. Others can be used for agriculture or industrial purposes.
Meat byproducts have an amino acid composition that differs from lean meat. They also have higher moisture than meat. Many require several treatments to prepare them for human consumption.
