Having a horse or a cow is an important part of a family’s lifestyle. They provide a way for people to stay active and have fun with their families. They are also a great way to provide fresh produce for the family. A horse or a cow also provides a way to help the environment.
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Grazing time
Grazing time for horses and cows is an important factor for pasture management, and it is important to understand how this can affect the nutritional value of the pasture. In this study we measured the grazing time for horses and cows on two pastures over the course of one year. We also investigated the effect of mixed grazing with cattle on the quality of the herbage.
The study site was an artificial polder in the Netherlands called the Oostvaardersplassen. Horses were grazed on one enclosure and cows on the other enclosure. The horses spent an average of 16 hours grazing each day. Horses preferred short grass and bushes, while cattle preferred taller swards.
A herbometer was used to measure the height of grass. Graze samples were collected during two months in February and April. Fecal OM and CP concentrations were also measured. Fecal OM showed a moderate correlation with the nutrient content of the pasture. CP concentrations were highest in graze samples.
Grazing percentages of clover
Grazing percentages of clover for horse and cow are not necessarily the same. Horses are usually more palatable to a variety of forage. Horses are also more likely to graze on shorter swards. Horses have been shown to ingest spiny shoots of gorse species.
In a study, grazing percentages of clover for cows and horses were examined during two grazing seasons. The percentages were compared with that of ryegrass in order to assess the effect of monocultures of both forage types on the behavior of the animals.
The study was conducted in a mixed grazing area that consisted of two pastures: a heathland and a ryegrass-clover pasture. The heathland vegetation was composed of a mixture of heather, gorse, shrubs and grasses. The ryegrass-clover pasture was composed of a mixture of improved ryegrass and white clover.
The pasture surface was improved by plowing and dressing. A brush cutter was used to clear the bare ground. The pasture surface was further improved by dragging manure piles.
Feeds for horses and cows
Several factors influence feeds for horses and cows. They include the nutrient density of the feed, the amount of the ration, and the processing methods used to produce the feed. It is important to use a scientific method of ration evaluation to minimize the risk of nutrient deficiencies.
Protein is a primary source of nitrogen in ruminant diets. The amino acids that make up protein are absorbed intact in the small intestine. Amino acids are essential for the formation of the musculoskeletal, integumentary, and internal organ systems. Protein contains around 16% nitrogen on average.
The digestibility of protein varies between sources and can range from 40 to 70%. The digestibility of amino acids is affected by protein concentration and particle size. Horses are not as efficient at digesting fiber. They can ingest more nutrients than cattle on all forages.
A balanced ration should produce moderate to fleshy body condition. A horse that is excessively thin or obese is at risk of developing digestive upset and other maladies.
Flies that love cows
Species of flies can agitate and cause health problems for cattle. Some species can be vectors for diseases, while others can bite. Excessive populations of certain fly species can reduce the weight of cattle by up to 15-20 percent.
A common fly species that affects cattle is the stable fly. They look similar to house flies, but the mouthparts on their bodies are adapted for sponging up mucus.
These flies are also vectors for the infectious bovine rhinotracheitis bacterium. Their bite can cause extensive damage to cow hides. They can also be vectors for Moraxella bovis.
The horn fly is one of the most common flies in North America. They appear on warm days in early spring and are active until cool weather sets in. Their life cycle is relatively short, ten to twenty days. They lay eggs in fresh cattle manure, and then hatch into maggots that pupate for five to seven days.
A common fly species that affects feeder cattle is the stable fly. It is often found clustering on the front legs of cattle. These flies feed one to three times a day. Their bites can affect the weight of the cattle and reduce grazing time.
