Dairy cows require a variety of different feed ingredients, and choosing the best fodder for your dairy can be a challenge. Luckily, there are several options, including Fodder maize, Barley, Oats, and sprouts. Read on to learn more about how you can make your cows happier and healthier.
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Fodder maize
Choosing the right fodder for dairy cows is critical. There are several different varieties, each with their own nutritional benefits. A good variety will improve your cow’s growth and milk yield. Fodder maize is available all year round and can be planted during the spring or summer. For the best results, plant fodder maize no more than 90 days before the first milking. It is important to avoid planting too early, since this will reduce the quality of the fodder and reduce milk production.
The first harvest is when the plant has grown to 3 centimeters in diameter. The second and third harvests will follow about 40 to 80 days later, depending on the season and growth rate. A single acre of this crop yields 80 to 100 tonnes of green fodder. It is resistant to a wide variety of climatic conditions. It grows well on sandy, heavy clay soil and rocky areas, but requires proper drainage facilities.
Barley
Growing your own fodder is a great way to save money and feed your cows a healthy diet. While this method is not new, it is gaining in popularity, partly due to rising land costs and changing weather patterns. In addition, you can use organic methods to grow fodder for your dairy cows if you want to be as environmentally conscious as possible. You’ll also need a large storage container and a heating and cooling system.
Barley is one of the most common fodder grains, and can be grown in a variety of ways. Hydroponic green fodder produced from barley can be fed to dairy cows. This type of fodder can increase the levels of protein, fat, and fiber, which are all important for milk production.
Oats
The use of oats as forage for dairy cows is a proven method to improve milk quality. The study also found that the forage contains higher water-soluble carbohydrates. These findings are beneficial for the Wisconsin dairy industry. Moreover, oats are a good option for double-cropping in the US Midwest. Oats are sown in the fall and harvested by early winter.
The nutrient value of forage depends on its maturity stage and yield. It is best to harvest oat at the boot stage as the leaf-to-stem ratio decreases with plant maturity. Delaying the harvest to flower stage can increase forage DM yields but decrease the nutritive value. Hence, it is important to consider the animal category, age, and other factors when deciding on forage type.
Sprouts
Sprouting is a great method for supplying organic grains and hay to dairy cows. The process is similar to that of growing crops for human consumption, except that the grains are sprouted in water rather than dirt. This process boosts natural proteins, enzymes, and vitamins. The grains also contain omega 3’s, amino acids, and naturally occurring hormones. In addition, sprouts stimulate the immune system.
While barley has been the most popular plant for sprouting, other grains can also serve as good fodder for dairy cows. However, these grains are less common in the dairy industry, making them less familiar to dairy farmers. For example, the University of Minnesota is investigating barley, triticale, and rye for their potential use as sprouts. Barley is a common grain that is grown in many parts of North America and is well-known for its nutritional value.
Orchard grass
Orchardgrass is one of the most productive cool-season grasses in Pennsylvania. It yields up to four tons of dry matter per acre when well-fertilized. However, its yields tend to decrease during periods of drought. In order to maximize the production of orchard grass, it is best to harvest the plants during the boot stage.
Fertilizer rates should be determined by soil tests. In addition to fertilizer, use 20-20-20 lb/acre of phosphorus and lime. Apply fertilizer at least one month before seeding to prevent weeds.
Clyricidia crop
A Clyricidia crop is one of the best fodder for dairy cows. It is known for its high protein content and the ability to grow in a variety of soil types. The plant is also an excellent source of nitrogen and has high CLA content. It should be grown in pastures with good drainage systems.
The crop is easy to grow and requires low maintenance. Its leaves are thin and can break down to make hay, which can be used during the winter. It can also be used for vermi-composting. It also helps to fix atmospheric nitrogen and improve soil fertility.
