Oat hay for cows has a number of benefits. It increases ruminal fermentation, NH3-N, and peristalsis. Some other benefits of oat hay for cows are:
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ruminal peristalsis
The rate of ruminal peristalsis is dependent on the size and density of solid materials. The water that flows through the rumen is critical for flushing particulate matter downstream, and as feedstuffs are fermented, they become smaller and lighter. As fermentation progresses, the rumen undergoes contractions, which flush light and dense solids back into the rumen. Secondary contractions are limited to parts of the rumen, usually accompanied by eructation.
The rations for all treatment groups tended to be within normal ranges for weaned calves. The amount of butyric acid in the rumen increased with alfalfa and oat hay feeding. Compared with corn silage, oat hay was associated with a higher proportion of butyric acid. Both butyric acid and propionic acid were increased by feeding cows alfalfa and oat hay. Although the two types of hay were not identical, oat hay enhanced the development of ruminal papilla.
Increases ruminal fermentation
Oat hay for cows increases dietary fermentation of cow’s rumen. This nutrient has been used in dairy cow diets for centuries to increase rumen fermentation. However, it is not yet clear if it is beneficial to cows. This article will outline its potential benefits and possible risks. It may also answer the question, how much oat hay is too much for cows?
In a study by Herrera-Saldana et al., they showed that oat hay increased ruminal ammonia by 1.08 mg dL-1 compared to barley hay. It also increased CP digestibility in the rumen. Pea hay also increased CP degradability. Although these results are preliminary, they show that oat hay may have a beneficial impact on cows’ rumen.
Oat hay for cows may increase ruminal fermentation and DMI. However, it may not have a direct effect on the amount of N absorbed. It should be noted that binary mixtures of cereal and pea did not result in a successful establishment of pea-cereal rations. Hand-mixing also improved the DMI, N balance, and CP digestibility.
Increases ruminal NH3-N
Several studies have examined whether increasing ruminal NH3-N with the inclusion of oat hay improves the efficiency of nutrient capture and reabsorption. The animal-based studies have relied on the synchronous and asynchronous release of nutrients, and have used different substrates to measure ruminal N levels. The asynchronous release of nutrients may be a key to the efficiency of N capture, but the magnitude of ruminal NH3-N cycling has not been studied.
The study used 20 Alpine Frances goats and randomised them to one of four treatments: oat hay, concentrates, or untreated straw. However, it was found that the ammoniated treatment had no effect on the intake of dry matter or crude fiber in the rumen. It also did not affect the pH, dehydrogenase activity, or total or molar proportions of volatile fatty acids. Interestingly, oat hay increased ruminal NH3-N more than untreated straw, even when the supplements were given to the animals.
Reduces incidence of diarrhea
Oat hulls are a byproduct of the oat processing industry. They contain a high amount of fiber but little protein. Studies have shown that they are comparable to alfalfa hay but inferior to barley silage. However, by ammoniating the hulls, oat hay can increase digestibility and protein content and improve performance. Unfortunately, oat hulls are difficult to ship and are dusty and unpalatable. To avoid such a problem, it is recommended that oat hulls be used as part of a blended diet.
According to Dr. O’Myer of the North Florida Research and Education Center, oats can be used as a partial replacement for corn in the diet of pigs. While oats do not replace corn, they are a very palatable feed grain for swine. They contain more protein and lysine than corn and are highly digestible by all swine classes.
