Besides being beneficial for human consumption, whey can be used for other purposes as well, such as for adding to grass and legume silages. Its sweet and acidic properties make it a useful addition to the feedstock of animal production.
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Acid whey
Various companies are investigating ways to use acid whey for cows. Whey is a valuable food product. It contains lactose, minerals, vitamins and other nutritional components. It can be served neat in liquid form or mixed with other foods. It is a good source of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and lactoferrin. It is also a source of lactic acid. It can be used in food processing, but its acidity makes it difficult to use in large quantities of animal feed.
Whey has been used for centuries to enhance livestock feeding. In recent years, modern farm systems have allowed for more precise feeding of animals. This has resulted in higher milk yields.
Fresh whey
Throughout the winter months, when a dairy farmer has trouble producing milk with high protein levels, whey may be a great source of protein to help boost the quality of the milk. Whey can be delivered in large quantities to your farm. It can be fed to cows through a tie stall barn, existing water system, or in tanks.
When whey is added to your feeding program, it will improve the nutritional value and palatability of your diet. The benefits of whey include reducing feed costs, increasing digestibility, and improving the quality of milk.
In one study, a group of dairy heifers were assigned to either whey or a 2.3 kg grain mixture. The results showed that the heifers who received the whey and grain gained significantly more than those who were only given whey.
Sweet whey
During the past decade, whey has been used in a number of commercial applications. Some of these products are health food products. Whey has also been used as a cheap filler in ice cream. It has also been used as a source of energy for dairy animals.
Whey is a by-product of the manufacturing of cheese. It contains traces of lactose and minerals. In addition, it is acidic. It breaks down to about 5 to 10 percent protein, 55 to 70 percent sugar, and 10-15 percent fat. It is generally white in color. It can be stored in a cool, dry environment at a temperature of less than 27 deg C.
Liquid whey
Whether you own a small farm or a large dairy operation, liquid whey for cows can be a cost-effective way to add protein and calcium to your animals’ diet. Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and yogurt manufacturing. It contains fat, lactose, minerals, and vitamins.
Whey for cows should be offered fresh and free-choice daily. When used as a substitute for feed, liquid whey can provide a complete source of protein for your animal. A study of 16 dairy cows demonstrated that the amount of hay that they consumed decreased when they were fed whey only. The amount of water that they consumed also increased when they were fed whey.
Adding whey to grass and legume silages
Adding whey to grass and legume silages for cows can improve quality, but it requires special management. It is critical to pack the silage mass in an adequately sealed structure. This will help exclude outside air and improve stability.
The quality of the crop can also affect the quality of the bale. Legumes and grasses change with maturity. This is reflected in their moisture content. As the moisture level increases, the forage is less digestible. The fiber-digesting enzymes are not effective at high moisture levels.
To reduce dry matter loss, lactic acid bacteria inoculants are often used. These bacteria produce lactic acid and lower the pH of the silage. Some strains of the lactic acid bacteria increase milk production. The addition of enzymes that break down complex plant carbohydrates is also common. These are usually combined with the microbial inoculants.
Storage of whey in traditional tie stall barns
Putting a lick of whey in a barn is no small feat. In fact, the task is made even more taxing by the unforgiving weather. The trick is to ensure the longevity of your prized possession by providing adequate air ventilation. In addition to the good old fashioned dust and rain, your wares may be subjected to some not so flattering sun. Fortunately, there are many commercially available barn vents that will do the job for you. The best part is that they come at a competitive price. If you have the budget, you may even consider upgrading to state-of-the-art facilities. The perks are well worth the investment.
