Dairy cows are the world’s leading milk producers, but they also require a balanced diet with protein, vitamins, minerals and plenty of fresh water to thrive.
Hydroponic systems offer the advantage of producing large amounts of fresh fodder every day at low costs, making them ideal for dairy farms where hay is expensive or in dry climates.
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Barley
Barley is the ideal fodder for dairy cows, as it can produce eight inches of protein-rich feed in just six days. Plus, barley boasts abundant fibre, antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals that make it such an attractive choice.
Barley contains phytosterols, or plant sterols, which have been known to reduce cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Furthermore, it’s high in lignans–a plant compound believed to possess antioxidant, anti-tumor, and antiviral properties.
One advantage of barley is its low glycemic index, meaning it won’t cause an abrupt surge in blood sugar after eating. Plus, it’s packed with fiber which helps promote regularity in your digestive tract and regulate blood sugar better.
A high-fiber diet can aid weight loss by suppressing appetite and keeping you feeling full for longer. Soluble fibers such as beta-glucan are especially helpful here; they form a gel-like substance in your gut which slows digestion of food, creating feelings of satiety.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is the ideal fodder for dairy cows as it supplies essential nutrients and has high levels of fiber – making it beneficial to dairy cattle.
Alfalfa boasts a higher initial rate of ruminal digestion than most grasses, allowing animals to consume more forage in less time. This rapid microbial colonization and digestion also helps lower the particle size of forage, improving digestibility and decreasing bloat risk.
Additionally, this autotroph is a photosynthetic autotroph and utilizes the C 3 photosynthetic pathway, which utilizes nitrogen as an energy source. Rhizobium bacteria live in nodules on its roots and provide nitrogen for the plant.
Alfalfa is one of the most commonly chosen pastures for dairy cows due to its low weed pressure, high palatability and lack of odor. Plus, it can easily be cultivated in small spaces at an economical cost-effective rate – perfect for many dairy farms!
Straw
Straw is a commonly-used fodder for dairy cows. It’s typically included in dry and transition cow diets as well as replacement heifer diets.
Marlene Paibomesai, an OMAFRA Dairy Specialist, says straw can be a useful alternative to sand for bedding when there is not enough or it’s too costly. According to research done at the University of Guelph, switchgrass bedding works well for cows as well, though she notes it may be difficult to source and grow in Ontario.
Wheat straw is often the type of straw fed to dairy cows due to its nutritional benefits, including protein and TDN (trans-donor nitrates).
Hay
Hay is a food source for ruminant animals such as cows, goats and sheep that has been cut or mowed multiple times annually. Hay can be fed to these creatures without any added hormones or antibiotics.
Nutrient-rich hay can come from various sources, including grasses like ryegrass or bermudagrass; legumes like clover or alfalfa; and other plants suitable for animals to consume. Farmers often seed fields with different plants in order to increase nutritional value while avoiding poisonous species.
Dairy cattle require 2.5 to 3.5% of their body weight in fodder each day. They consume 60% wet and 40% dry fodder as part of their ration.
Grassy fodder such as alfalfa or lucerne is ideal for dairy animals. It contains high amounts of protein and prolactin, which aids in milk production and enhances fertility.
Before harvesting hay, it is essential to swathe it. Doing so helps dry out the hay, prevents mold and rot, and boosts its nutritional value.
