When raising cows, it’s essential that they have access to a variety of fodder. Grasse, hay, legumes and clover are all excellent sources of essential nutrients for cows.
However, there may be times when you need to provide your cows with something other than their usual diet. Could apples be fed to them?
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Nutrients
Cows are grazing animals, meaning they get most of their nutrition from grasses and legumes. Fruits make an excellent addition to their diet as they provide fiber and antioxidants.
Apples are a beloved treat for cows, but they should only be eaten occasionally. Eating too many apples can cause bloating and acidosis, so it’s best to limit their consumption.
When feeding your cow apples, make sure they’re first mash or broken into smaller pieces. This will prevent choking and ensure they can easily chew and swallow the fruit without issue.
Other fruits that can be fed to cows include watermelon, bananas and carrots. All these produce are nutrient-rich and can be utilized in various ways to keep your cows healthy.
Fiber
Fiber is an integral component of a healthy diet. It helps you regulate your cholesterol, blood sugars, weight and blood pressure.
Fiber can be found in fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts; it comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water, helping to lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels. It may also assist with constipation and bloating.
Eating more soluble fiber can make you feel fuller for longer, which may aid in maintaining a healthier weight. Furthermore, it slows glucose absorption in the small intestine, helping prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.
For added fiber, incorporate non-starchy vegetables into your meals and snack on raw fruits and veggies. You can also swap whole grains for white flour in favorite dishes like soups or stews.
Antioxidants
Apples are an abundant source of antioxidants like quercetin, catechins and phlorizin that protect against cancer, kidney stones and cholesterol imbalance. Furthermore, apples help strengthen the immune system as well as reduce inflammation.
Cows can be provided with a range of fruits, such as apples and pears. Not only do these have an enjoyable taste, but they are also packed with essential nutrients that enhance their diet.
They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids digestion and prevents diarrhea. Furthermore, they contain prebiotic fiber which fuels the beneficial bacteria found in the gut–known as the microbiota–for added nutrition.
Dried apple pomace (DAP) as a feed additive can be an effective strategy to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in dairy cows. DAP alters both rumen enzymatic (catalase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase) and non-enzymatic (ascorbic acid, glutathione, DPPH) antioxidant content, lysosomal enzyme activity, total polyphenols content, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the fluid.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin is an essential vitamin needed to create coenzymes (subunits of proteins) involved in energy production, fat metabolism and cellular growth. Furthermore, it acts as an antioxidant, combatting free radicals in the body which may damage cells or DNA.
Riboflavin deficiencies can cause various health issues, such as brain and heart disorders. Taking high-dose supplements may help avoid these issues from arising.
However, certain medications can interfere with how your body absorbs riboflavin. For instance, methotrexate and phenytoin, used to treat cancer and rheumatoid arthritis respectively, can decrease absorption of this essential B vitamin and cause more urine loss in the process.
At present, 70% of riboflavin is produced through fermentation with genetically modified strains. This method of production is more efficient and environmentally friendly than chemical synthesis when it comes to producing this essential vitamin.
