The high sugar content in sugar beans makes them a poor choice for feeding to cows. This can cause increased acidity in the rumen and kill off the micro flora necessary to break down fibrous plant material. This can cause a slowdown in the digestive process which can lead to impaction of the digestive tract and even death. However, affected animals can recover by switching to high-quality rations and inoculating their rumen with fluid from healthy animals. The consumption of beans by goats, sheep, and goats is not as problematic, and the animals have a higher tolerance to the effects.
Faba beans contain anti-nutritional substances
Although faba beans do contain anti-nutritional substances, this is a minor concern compared to the beneficial nutritional aspects of the bean. Several anti-nutritional compounds such as oxalate and phytic acid inhibit the enzyme activity that breaks down protein. In addition, lectins and tannins decrease protein uptake. Faba bean flour is a popular food ingredient and is used in a wide variety of products, including bread and pasta. It has also been used as a partial meat/fat replacer in beef patties and other meat analog products.
Phytic acid is the main phosphorous storage component of faba beans, and this anti-nutrient inhibits protein digestion by forming complexes with the proteins and binding minerals in the intestine. Phytic acid is also a chelating agent, which reduces the bioavailability of minerals.
Studies conducted on faba bean starch levels have revealed that they range from 18.6% to 44.4% of the total starch content in raw faba beans, depending on how the bean is processed. The low levels of phytates mean that faba beans are a good source of fiber and can help improve overall digestion.
They are a good source of protein
Beans are a good source of protein for cattle and are one of the few foods that have a low fat content. A serving of beans has about 20% of protein. The amino acid lysine is particularly important to a plant-based diet and is present in a higher proportion than in animal products. A half cup of beans provides one-quarter of a cup of whole grains.
Soybeans contain both degradable and soluble protein, and are an excellent source of energy. In addition to protein, they also contain fiber, folic acid, and potassium. A typical serving of soybeans should be between 4 and 5 pounds per cow per day.
Another great source of protein for cows is faba beans. This homegrown legume contains very little oil, does not contain anti-nutritional enzymes, and does not require roasting. This type of bean, which is closely related to lima beans, is also rich in lysine. Faba beans have a protein to methionine ratio of 2:1 and are high in thiamine and phosphorus.
They are a good source of energy
While some people will argue that cows are not as healthy as people, a recent study found that cows can consume beans as a good source of energy. The study also found that switching from beef to beans could free up as much as 42 percent of the nation’s cropland. That’s nearly as much land as California! Not only would this result in fewer cow deaths, but beans are also a cheaper and healthier alternative to beef. While some may be concerned about the negative effects of eating beans, experts say they are temporary and exaggerated.
To be safe for cattle to eat, the beans must be processed properly. Whole beans contain anti-nutrition factors that inhibit growth, so they should be treated with heat before being fed to cows. Heat treatment may be done by roasting or extruding the beans. In addition, soybean meal must be heat-treated before use, because it contains urease, which can cause ammonia toxicity.
