Grass is a natural source of fodder for animals, including cows. It can be found in cool-season and perennial plants, and it contains nutrients that can help maintain good health. Grass also serves as a natural habitat for wildlife. Many animals feed on grass, including kangaroos, giraffes, and elephants. However, grass is not the only option. You can also feed animals other types of food, including grains, hay, and forage.
Contents
Perennial
During the growing season, pastures are usually a mix of annuals and perennials. These are plants that reappear each year. The perennial species are usually the primary component of the pasture. They are generally grazed during their first year of growth and rested before they resume growth.
Annual plants have a low cost of establishment and are flexible, so they can be used to replace perennials in a pasture. They can also be grazed multiple times during a season. The goal of grazing annual crops is usually to maximize livestock feed intake. The plants can also help to reduce competition with invasive plants. They also reduce the fuel needed for wildfires.
Perennial cool-season species are commonly used in pastures in the Midwestern United States. They tend to grow well in moist and cool conditions. These plants can be used as a replacement for annual grasses during the midsummer slump in pasture production.
Cool-season
Whether you live in the southeastern part of the state or in other regions, cool season grasses can be a valuable addition to your pasture system. These grasses are higher in dry matter than warm season species, and can provide valuable energy to your livestock during the colder months.
These cool season grasses may need to be stocked in late summer or fall to provide for better pasture quality. However, it is also possible to plant these grasses in early spring to provide for a longer forage season.
Tall fescue is one of the most popular cool season grasses in Missouri. The fungus that makes it hardy is called endophyte. Unfortunately, this fungus has harmful side effects. It can lower the conception rate of cows and even cause colts to be born without hair.
Another popular cool season grass is orchardgrass. This grass grows well in mediocre soils and has a relatively low cost. It can also tolerate high moisture soils.
Herbs
Grass is usually the sole food source of cows, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s no shortage of herbs to keep your herd healthy and happy. A judicious mix of herbs may even improve the quality of your milk and meat. It’s a win-win scenario for everyone.
Chicory is a common sight along roadsides and farm fields across the United States. It’s one of the few plants which will survive the wrath of a drought. It’s also a great crop to grow in a grazing system. Its high protein content and drought resistance make it an excellent alternative feed for livestock. Aside from the aforementioned benefits, it’s one of the only crops native to North America. It’s also one of the pricier crops to cultivate and grow, but it’s a worthy addition to your herd. Its other merits include being a good source of vitamins and minerals and a good complement to other crops like soybeans and corn.
Common fodder seeds
Getting your cattle to eat green fodder is important for dairy farming. It reduces their intake of concentrate feeds. It also improves profitability.
To begin, you need to find seeds that are suitable for fodder production. These are typically sold at local farm supply stores or state grain mills. It’s also a good idea to check with your local veterinarian to see what types of fodder are available in your area.
Barley is the most common seed to use for fodder production. Barley seed has high nutritional value and is readily available. It also has a good seed to fodder ratio. This means that one pound of barley seed can yield six pounds of fodder in a week.
Lucerne, also known as alfalfa, is a leguminous crop that is rich in protein. It has deep roots that allow it to easily be digested by cattle. This variety is considered the best fodder for dairy cattle.
