Owning cattle requires knowing the type of feed they require. Cattle can eat a variety of feeds and require different nutrients based on their breed and age, so it’s essential to know what they require.
A well-balanced cow ration should consist of grasses during the growing season and hay in the fall and winter. However, if your grass is of poor quality or your cattle are in poor health, they may require additional feed to stay healthy.
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1. Grass Hay
Grass hay is often the farmer’s second best option for cow feed after pasture. It typically consists of grasses, legume crops (like clover), or both.
Timothy grass, bluegrass and orchardgrass are common grasses used for hay production. In certain parts of the United States, fescue, reed canary grass and annual ryegrass may also be grown as hay.
Farmers transform dried grass into hay by using specialized tools to gather it up and bundle it together. They don’t use a garden leaf rake like you might use to collect leaves in your yard, but rather an attached tractor-mounted hay rake – known as baling. Once baled, the hay can then be stored until needed for livestock feed or bedding purposes.
2. Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa hay is one of the healthiest feeds for cows. It’s high in protein and calcium, with more energy than grass hay.
It is an essential source of biological nitrogen fixation and highly adaptable to various soil conditions. Primarily grown as a forage crop for dairy cows, but also used with beef cattle, horses, sheep, chickens and other livestock species.
Alfalfa hay can be fed to milkers, kids and does in late pregnancy; however dry adult does and bucks should not consume this hay as too much may lead to zinc deficiency in these animals.
3. Grass Seed
Grass seed is an effective way to give your lawn a lush, green appearance. Plus, it can help repair any bare spots.
Selecting the ideal grass seed type depends on your soil and weather conditions. For instance, you may require a shade-tolerant variety.
Kentucky bluegrass is a popular variety, which grows quickly and resists sudden cold temperatures. It also has a soft texture.
You have several types of grass seeds to choose from, such as fine fescue and perennial ryegrass. These are ideal for areas with high traffic and lots of shade.
4. Corn Gluten Feed
Corn gluten feed is an excellent source of protein and fiber, as well as a natural weed control product that can be applied to lawns, flowerbeds, and bulb beds.
Cows can benefit from supplementing their diet during dry weather when hay isn’t available. The additional protein and fiber from cornmeal helps keep calves healthy while decreasing acidosis risks.
A study at the University of Nebraska revealed that cattle fed a gluten-based diet gained faster weight than those on conventional diets. However, due to its lower starch and essential amino acid concentration in corn gluten feed diet, it may have inhibited milk synthesis.
CGF is available in both wet and dry forms, such as meal or pellets. With its high levels of crude protein content, it makes an excellent substitute for corn meal.
5. Wheat Middlings
When selecting the ideal feed for cows, it’s essential to take into account their nutritional requirements. Cows have different daily dietary needs depending on their weight and production stage (gestating or lactating).
Hay is the most commonly used cow feed, but there are other options such as grass hay, legume hay and cereal grain straw.
Wheat middlings are a by-product of the wheat milling industry and incredibly tasty feedstuffs. Packed full of protein (18%), energy and calcium, they’re low in starch too.
They can be added to a grain mixture at 25-30% level or fed directly to cows at up to 7 pounds daily. Furthermore, peas are an excellent source of phosphorus and potassium.
