Creating the best dry cattle feed ration for your cows requires careful planning. Using expected dry matter intake, you can create a dry matter ration for early and close dry cows. The goal is for the dry matter intake to range from 1.8% to 2.1% BW, depending on the age and type of cow. To help you get started, divide your dry matter ration into forage and concentrate. The forage should form the base of your cattle’s diet, and concentrates can make up the rest.
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Average daily energy intake
The average daily energy intake of a cattle is approximately 1.78% of its body weight on a dry matter basis. However, this can vary greatly depending on many factors, including the forage and stage of production. Heavyweight cows, for instance, will need more energy than light weight cows. Also, lactating cows will require more energy than non-lactating ones. Here are some general guidelines for feedstuffs for cows.
A common way to calculate the amount of energy needed by a cow is to multiply the calorie content of the feed by the DMI. Using published data and reference tables, a DMI can be calculated. For example, a mature beef cow will consume about 1 percent of her body weight, while a dairy cow will consume about 2.5 to 4.5%. If you’re trying to determine how much energy a cow requires daily, the formula will include a percentage of dry matter.
Average daily dry matter intake
A typical lactating cow consumes approximately twenty pounds of dry matter per day. On an as-fed basis, this amount is equivalent to thirty-two pounds. If you feed your cows eighty-eight percent dry matter hay, you’d need about 3.2 tons of dry matter per day. These numbers will vary depending on the type of hay and animal. Nevertheless, they all represent an excellent starting point for your on-farm ration.
Forage quality plays a large role in the average daily dry matter intake of cattle. TDN (total digestible nitrogen) content is a useful tool for evaluating forage quality. High-quality forage contains a high TDN content, but it does not pass through the rumen quickly. High-quality forages are high in lignin, a type of plant fiber that rumen microbes have a hard time breaking down.
Corn silage as a high-fibre diluent forage
In some areas, grass is the best forage for dry cattle, while others may need to supplement with corn silage. Regardless of the source, it is important to provide supplemental concentrates to balance the forage. They may minimize the risk of milk fever and enhance immunity. Using corn silage as a high fibre diluent forage for dry cattle can help reduce milk fever, as it has a higher fibre content than grass.
The nutrient content of a forage may vary depending on its stage of maturity. Ideally, forages should be harvested at the appropriate stage of development. In other cases, however, the optimal stage of maturity is still a few days before harvest. Listed below are a few ways to assess the forage’s nutrient content. Listed below is a sample of corn silage, including its protein and fibre content.
Animate as a primary source of anionic salts
The use of animale as a primary source of anionic sodium in dry cattle feed can result in subclinical hypocalcemia, which can adversely affect a cow’s reproductive and productive performance. The primary problem with anionic salts is that they may decrease dry matter intake near parturition, which can lead to metabolic disorders such as displaced abomasum and milk fever. To avoid these problems, it is recommended to use a total mixed ration containing animale and mineral sources. This will allow the cattle to access the feed throughout the day, rather than just during the periparturient period.
DC Complete CAB is a supplemental feed containing anionic salts from animale. It is formulated for close-up and steam-up feeding periods. One unit of DC Complete CAB supplies approximately 3,000 milliequivalents of anionic capacity. Feeding rates may need to be adjusted based on forage intake and the overall cation-anion balance of the diet. In addition, DC Complete CAB cannot be fed to sheep or to related species that have a low tolerance to copper.
