The Best Diet For Cows

best diet for cows

There are two main types of feed for cows. One type is hay and the other is Alfalfa hay. Grass-fed cows are more healthy and have better digestion. Grass-fed cows also tend to grow slower and consume more energy. In addition, grass-fed cows tend to produce higher-quality meat.

Chewy Online Pet Supplies


35% Off at Chewy.com

+ Free Shipping

Save Now

Contents

Grass hay

While grass hay is the best diet for cows, it’s not always possible to provide all the nutrients your cows need. For example, in northern climates, grass may be frozen or snowed under, so your cows may need additional feed to survive. Similarly, cows in the Southwest may need additional supplements during the dry season.

When cows eat grass, they don’t chew it properly at first. Once they start chewing, the grass goes into their rumen, where they can re-chew it. Once they finish chewing their grass, they’ll voluntarily burp up the mixture, or cud. This process takes several hours, and the cows may spend as much as eight hours per day chewing cud.

Grass

For many cows, grass is the best diet for production and health. It increases the fiber content in rations, which helps them consume less feed. Grass-based diets also have minimal negative effects on milk production during peak lactation. On the other hand, cows with high potassium levels should be stopped from eating high-potassium grass three weeks before calving. The highest-potassium grass is perennial ryegrass.

Cows can eat virtually any type of grass. Their digestive systems are designed to extract energy and nutrients from even the toughest plant matter. They can also eat bark and foliage from trees. However, farmers have selected particular types of grass for their pastures, as these have varying energy density and different requirements for care. In addition, some types of grasses are not suitable for specific soil types.

Hay

Hay is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. The high concentrations of calcium and phosphorus are essential for skeletal muscle strength and gastrointestinal motility, and the hay also has a high amount of fiber. Unlike other feed sources, hay is stable and does not need to be supplemented with additional nutrients. Additionally, it helps to protect the digestive system of cows.

The nutritional value of hay depends on its maturity, as well as the amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fat it contains. Most forages reach the optimum balance between yield and nutrient content during the late boot to early heading stage.

Alfalfa hay

There are many advantages to feeding cows alfalfa hay. The plant is a great source of protein. A nutrient analysis will determine the exact amount of alfalfa your cows should be fed each day. This will help you determine a ration that contains the right amount of protein.

Alfalfa can extend the grazing season into summer. For the best results, harvest the plants before the first killing frost. Doing so prevents them from storing root carbohydrates, which will improve their survival in the winter months. In addition, alfalfa has a deep tap root that allows it to access deep underground water. This means it can thrive even in mild drought conditions.

Legume hay

In the mountain west, the soil pH is neutral to slightly alkaline, perfect for legumes. During the growing season, temperatures are high during the day, but cool at night, allowing plants to retain carbohydrates. Birdsfoot trefoil thrives in this environment and persists under irrigation. In one University of Missouri study, cattle on birdsfoot trefoil pastures gained three pounds per day. This was twice the gain of steers fed with alfalfa.

In colder weather, cattle thrive on extra roughage, which helps them produce heat and energy through the digestion of protein. Cattle’s rumen is much larger than a horse’s, so it makes sense to feed extra roughage during the winter months.

Timothy hay

Timothy hay is an excellent choice for a dairy cow’s diet. The grass-based hay contains low amounts of protein, but its high fiber content makes it excellent for the health of the animals. It also contains a 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus. This hay is also easy on the digestive system, which makes it ideal for cows during pregnancy.

Timothy hay is available throughout the country. It is often sold by small local horse owners and farmers. The Northeast and Midwestern regions are ideal for its production, and it grows best in high altitudes. Western Canada and Oregon are also recognized for the quality of Timothy hay they produce.

Apples

There are many benefits of giving cows a diet that includes apples. The vitamins and minerals they get from eating apples are important for their health. It’s important to note, however, that cows should only consume limited amounts of apples. Overfeeding your cows with too many apples could lead to stomach upset.

Cows also appreciate carrots and oranges. They contain antimicrobials that can protect their body against disease-causing bacteria. Pumpkins can also be a healthy treat for your cow. Apples contain a lot of fiber and are good for your cow’s digestion. Carrots are also a great energy source for your cows. Oats are also a good choice, since they are rich in fiber.