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First, prepare the roughage by shortening, washing, and ammoniation. Start by washing the coarse material before chopping it into 8–10 cm pieces. Since roughage alone may not provide enough nutrients for cattle, you can ammoniate it by adding 25 kg of a 6%–10% urea solution per 50 kg of chopped material. Mix well and load the mixture into a silo or a sealed container, covering the opening with plastic film. After 1–1.5 months of fermentation, the material becomes ammonia-treated and ready for feeding. This process helps improve the nutritional value and digestibility of the roughage.
Second, manage feeding quantities carefully. During cold weather, feed cattle more frequently—both during the day and at night. Provide around 13–15 kg of forage daily. Diversify the forage by including wheat straw, hay, peanut meal, grass, and other available plant materials to ensure a balanced diet and better nutrient intake.
Third, supplement with minerals and trace elements. Cattle require about 0.4% calcium and 0.3% phosphorus in their diet. In winter, when fresh green fodder is scarce, calcium deficiency is common in cows fed only on roughage. To prevent this, add 10 g of calcium, 5 g of phosphorus, 30–50 g of salt, and a suitable amount of trace mineral supplements daily to the feed.
Fourth, ensure warm water is available. Avoid giving cold water to cattle in winter. Provide warm water at around 25°C, and consider adding a small amount of salt or soaked beans to support digestion and maintain body temperature.
Fifth, feed a balanced concentrate mix. A good winter ration could include 40% corn, 20% soybeans, 10% wheat bran, 10% barley, 10% soybean meal, and 10% feed scraps, all soaked in warm water. Offer 0.5–2 kg of this mixed concentrate daily. Increase the amount for young calves, pregnant cows, and underweight animals to meet their higher energy needs.
Lastly, maintain hygiene and proper care. Clean the barn regularly to remove manure and keep the environment clean. Grind the bedding material to prevent hoof diseases. Each day, take the cow out into the sun and brush its body with a scraper or brush to stimulate blood circulation and reduce the risk of skin sores. Regular grooming also helps in early detection of any health issues.