Cows require two primary types of feed: roughage and concentrates. Roughage includes grass, hay, corn stalks, silage, Leymus chinensis, and high-quality forages. These are essential for maintaining healthy digestion and rumen function. On the other hand, concentrate feeds like corn, cottonseed meal, and bran provide energy and protein to support growth, milk production, and overall health.
Green fodder refers to fresh, leafy plants such as grass, corn leaves, broccoli, cabbage, sweet potato vines, and carrots. These are highly palatable and easy to digest, though they have a high moisture content and large volume. Legume-based green feeds, such as clover or alfalfa, tend to be more nutritious than grasses or vegetables.
Silage is a method of preserving green, juicy feed by chopping it, compacting it, and fermenting it in an anaerobic environment. Common silage materials include corn stover, sweet potato vines, elephant grass, and other succulent plants. The process relies on lactic acid bacteria to produce acid, which prevents spoilage. For successful silage, the raw material must have the right balance of moisture (typically 65-70%) and sugar content. Too much moisture can lead to poor fermentation and the growth of harmful bacteria, while too little makes compaction difficult and increases the risk of mold.
When building a silo, choose a dry, elevated area with good drainage. The structure should be sturdy, airtight, and watertight. Raw materials should be cut into small pieces to promote juice release and facilitate fermentation. During filling, the material must be compacted thoroughly, especially around the edges, to remove air pockets. Once full, cover the silo with plastic, straw, and soil to ensure a tight seal. After about 40 days, the silage is ready for use. When opening, remove the top layer if it has turned black or spoiled. Good silage should be yellow-green, aromatic, and slightly sour. Avoid feeding any that is moldy or rancid, and use it within a day to prevent spoilage.
Roughage also includes straw and hay. While straw has low nutritional value, it helps maintain proper rumen function. High-quality hay is rich in protein, carotene, vitamin D, and minerals, making it an excellent feed source. To improve the digestibility of straw, treatments such as alkali or ammoniation can be used. Alkali treatment involves soaking straw in a sodium hydroxide solution, while ammoniation uses liquid ammonia. These methods help break down lignin, making the straw easier to digest and increasing its nutritional value.
Concentrate feeds are divided into energy and protein sources. Energy concentrates like corn, wheat, and barley provide calories, while protein concentrates such as soybean meal and cottonseed cake supply amino acids. A well-balanced diet is crucial for dairy cows, aiming to meet their nutritional needs at different life stages, ensure milk quality, and optimize production efficiency. The design of a dairy cow's diet should also consider cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, and overall health. Fiber is a key priority in these formulations, as it supports digestive health and milk production.
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