Whey, a by-product of cheese production, provides dairy cows with essential proteins and nutrients. However, it must also be handled responsibly since it contains waste materials which must be properly disposed of.
This article will investigate the advantages of feeding whey to cows and provide information on its uses, storage conditions, and nutrition.
Contents
Benefits
Whey is one of two major, high-quality proteins found naturally in cow’s milk – the other being casein.
Cheese curds, which are separated from their curd counterparts by special enzymes, become popular ingredients in drink mixes, protein bars and other food items. Once pasteurized and dried, this byproduct of cheesemaking can then be added back into products such as drink mixes.
Dairy farmers across the country are finding that feeding whey to their herds can be particularly beneficial, particularly during times of drought or high feed costs. Farms who feed liquid whey to cows report an increase in dry matter intake, decreased molasses usage and better milk quality as a result.
At Dhurrie Farm, the Ralstons report that adding 6 litres of whey permeate to their Total Milk Replacer (TMR) resulted in increased intakes and improved cow condition. Likewise, East Drumlemble Piries experienced improvements to their herd’s udders as well as an improvement in milk quality when they added whey permeate to their diet.
Feeding Methods
Cows require a diet that is high in calcium, as well as plenty of protein and fiber – which can be found in hay, grass, or pellets.
When providing hay to your cows, the amount needed depends on their age and nutritional requirements. Calculate how much hay each resident consumes regularly and adjust as necessary (some hay may be wasted).
According to experts, cows should be allowed to graze between six and eleven hours daily. They tend to spend their longest grazing periods during dusk and dawn with shorter rest intervals in between.
Cows often graze on hay, inhaling large amounts of it and becoming known as “indiscriminate eaters.” They will seek out the sweetest bits first and take large bites of food; this could include foreign objects like metal pieces which could pose health risks if eaten.
Storage
There are a few ways to store whey protein so cows can easily digest it. One method involves adding an alkali solution to the whey, which prevents crystallization and fermentation during storage.
Another way to store whey is through ultrafiltration. This process separates the whey proteins from lactose, ash and nitrogen in milk to produce a whey protein concentrate with a water content less than about 50%.
Alternatively, the whey can be further separated through microfiltration or dialysis to produce a whey permeate with a water content ranging from 20%-75% by weight. This permeate contains substantial amounts of whey proteins, lactose and minerals.
Whey can also be utilized as a source of casein fortification in dairy products. This process can improve cheese’s quality and allow dairy desserts to take on new life in liquid or powder form.
Nutritional Considerations
Nutritionally speaking, feeding whey to cows involves considering the type, quality and amount of protein, fat and micronutrients. Feedstuffs should contain various amounts and ratios of peptides and amino acids for adequate levels both ruminally and post-ruminally for various growth and maintenance requirements.
Protein is an integral component of milk and plays a significant role in dairy cattle performance. It provides energy (calories) necessary for dairy cattle to digest and absorb forage, as well as contributing to gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis (the production of essential lipids).
Fat is an essential nutrient in livestock diets and the second most energy dense nutrient. It is broken down by rumen bacteria into volatile fatty acids (VFA), providing energy for cattle.
Whey is often included in a total mixed ration (TMR) on-farm due to its low dry matter content (usually less than 5% DM). Incorporating it into the diet can help reduce sorting behavior and boost feed intake.
