If you have a cow that is nursing a calf, she will require a special diet to meet her needs. This diet will include higher amounts of forages and minerals than the typical cow ration.
It is important to have an accurate nutrient composition of the feed ingredients. Without this, mistakes can be made and unnecessary costs incurred.
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Maize Silage
Maize silage is a staple supplementary feed in many New Zealand dairy systems and is considered one of the best feeds for nursing cows. It is high in energy, protein and starch, providing a substantial energy and nutrient source for autumn and late winter/early spring-calved cows with calves at foot.
According to Grant Pringle, agronomist at Panner Seed, harvesting the right hybrid for the local conditions is crucial to ensuring maximum yield and quality of silage maize crops. It is important to choose a hybrid that has a proven track record of performance in your area and will adapt well to local production conditions.
The DM content of a crop during this period, and the starch content of its grain, are key factors in silage quality. The higher the DM content, the more starch the crop will contain.
Grass Silage
During dry seasons, dairymen may choose to feed a grass or legume silage as opposed to hay. This is a good choice for many reasons.
Grass silage is made by cutting green forage, wilting it a little or a lot (lot is better), then chopped and stored in a variety of ways to keep air out. The silage is then fermented in an oxygen-free environment by microorganisms called lactic acid bacteria.
Wilting is a good practice for grass and maize silage because it reduces water loss, concentrates sugars, and helps the microorganisms carry out their fermentation. However, longer wilting is not advisable for high DM grasses because it increases the risk of mould and reduces the quality of the silage.
Generally, round bales of grass silage are wrapped tightly in plastic to exclude air and then stored in a large pit or bale shed. The baled silage is then weighed and the barrel or pit sealed. This is a more efficient way of producing the feed and lowers labor requirements.
Turnips
Turnips are a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, along with broccoli, Brussels sprouts and kale. They are a good source of dietary fiber, and their leafy greens are also rich in calcium, which can help keep your bones strong as you get older.
Turnip greens have a radish-like flavor and are very high in vitamin C, which is beneficial for boosting immunity. They are also an excellent source of prebiotic fiber, which is necessary for maintaining a healthy microbiome in the gut.
In addition, turnip roots are also low in calories and have a moderate level of protein and fat. This makes them a great option for a side dish with chicken, fish or steak.
When shopping for turnips, look for fresh-looking vegetables that are firm to the touch and heavy for their size. They should be free of blemishes, and their tops should be bright purple and violet-hued.
Wheat Straw
Wheat straw is an excellent feed for nursing cow because it contains a large amount of protein and total digestible nutrients, or TDN. It is also easy to digest and can be dissolved in warm water.
Another great thing about wheat straw is that it is biodegradable. That means it can break down in a matter of days or weeks.
Unlike other types of plastics, it doesn’t require fossil fuels to create, so it is more sustainable. It can also be recycled if needed, which is a good thing for the environment.
Wheat straw can be used to make many different products, including plates, cups, and other food storage containers. It is non-toxic and BPA free, so it is a great choice for people who are concerned about their health. It is also microwave safe and dishwasher safe, so you can enjoy your meals with confidence.
