You may be surprised to find out how much byproducts are included in a dairy cow diet. Byproducts are leftovers from crops grown for people and include things like distillers grains, citrus pulp, and almond hulls. In California, about 40 percent of a dairy cow’s diet consists of these byproducts. In addition, more than 85% of the diet of a dairy cow is comprised of feeds humans would not eat.
Contents
Forages
The moisture content of forages can influence the nutritional value of milk produced by dairy cows. It is therefore important to test forage moisture and to make corrective actions based on this information. A high moisture content will improve milk production, and a low moisture content will reduce it.
Concentrates
Concentrates are used to supplement forage rations in dairy cows. They are used to meet a cow’s needs for energy, protein, minerals and fiber. The major ingredients found in concentrates are listed in tables 2a and 2b. For each ingredient, the nutrient composition and bushel weights are provided. A table comparing the rumen digestion of various types of starch is also provided.
Minerals
The balance of minerals in a dairy cow’s diet is extremely important. There are seven macro-minerals in the cow’s diet that must be present in appropriate amounts to support optimum health and performance. These include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, chlorine and potassium.
Vitamins
Vitamins in the diet of dairy cows vary widely, but there is no absolute dietary requirement. Cows can make most B vitamins and some vitamin C on their own. The liver and kidney also produce vitamin E. Most B vitamins are present in high concentrations in common feeds. The cow does not need supplemental vitamin A, B-vitamins, or vitamin K, however.
Grazed pasture
Grazed pasture dairy cow diet is an important part of dairy farming. In order to produce more milk per hectare, dairy farmers must increase the amount of grass grown. They must also make better use of the grass that is grown. In addition, a productive system for milk production must be capital and labour efficient. This paper outlines the reasons for increasing grazed grass in the dairy cow diet and suggests some ways to do so.
Soybean meal
Soybean meal is an inexpensive and highly digestible source of protein and energy for dairy cows. Dairy cows have the ability to convert amino acids into other important nutrients, such as calcium and phosphorus, which are essential to the production of milk. Synthetic amino acids are also available, but they are not as cost-effective. Moreover, they must be processed and designed to pass through the rumen.
Canola meal
Canola meal is an increasingly popular protein source in dairy cow rations around the world. It is also a common ingredient in aquaculture diets. In Australia, it is fed to fish and poultry, and beef cattle in feedlots.
Corn
Using corn as part of a dairy cow diet can reduce feed costs and extend forage supply. However, cautions must be taken to avoid causing less than optimal fat reserves.
Barley
The introduction of barley into the dairy cow diet has a number of advantages. It is a high-fiber source and provides a valuable source of dietary protein. It is also beneficial to the cow’s health, as it has been shown to improve milk production and fat content. Studies have been conducted on the effect of barley on the dairy cow’s digestive system.
