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COWS-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 19
Indiangrass
Sideoats grama
Buffalo grass.
NUTRITION
There are 5 groups of nutrients needed for life and growth:
Energy,
Protein
Vitamins
Minerals
Water.
Energy: these nutrients are carbohydrates. Sugars and starches are simple carbohydrates and east to digest. They are found in grain feeds such as corn, oats, barley etc. Cellulose which is one of the main types of fiber in plants is a complex carbohydrate. Hay and grass contain a lot of cellulose but because it is more difficult to digest than starches or sugar it has lower energy value. However, because cows can digest large amounts of cellulose in the rumen it can provide adequate energy for beef animals.
Important Note:
Energy is the most important part of the diet. Protein, vitamins and mineral are wasted unless energy requirement are met first. Forage is always the most economical source of energy.
To do well, and have good conception rate cows need energy. However the mistake is often made that this entails feeding grain which is inefficient and also expensive. If a cow is deficient in energy on poor forages, DO NOT FEED MORE ENERGY AS CONCENTRATES, RATHER MAKE SURE HER PROTIEN SUPPLY IS ADEQUATE. A cow can produce all the energy she needs from very poor forages, BUT she must have enough protein to feed the microbes in the rumen to do it. Microbes in the rumen thrive in a fluid environment and break down, digest and create by-products from the feed. When grain is added to the diet it increases acidity and this limits the bacteria and protozoa that digest cellulose. When a cow is fed grain regularly, cellulose digesting microbes are replaced with starch-users that thrive in the acid environment.
Sideoats grama
Buffalo grass.
NUTRITION
There are 5 groups of nutrients needed for life and growth:
Energy,
Protein
Vitamins
Minerals
Water.
Energy: these nutrients are carbohydrates. Sugars and starches are simple carbohydrates and east to digest. They are found in grain feeds such as corn, oats, barley etc. Cellulose which is one of the main types of fiber in plants is a complex carbohydrate. Hay and grass contain a lot of cellulose but because it is more difficult to digest than starches or sugar it has lower energy value. However, because cows can digest large amounts of cellulose in the rumen it can provide adequate energy for beef animals.
Important Note:
Energy is the most important part of the diet. Protein, vitamins and mineral are wasted unless energy requirement are met first. Forage is always the most economical source of energy.
To do well, and have good conception rate cows need energy. However the mistake is often made that this entails feeding grain which is inefficient and also expensive. If a cow is deficient in energy on poor forages, DO NOT FEED MORE ENERGY AS CONCENTRATES, RATHER MAKE SURE HER PROTIEN SUPPLY IS ADEQUATE. A cow can produce all the energy she needs from very poor forages, BUT she must have enough protein to feed the microbes in the rumen to do it. Microbes in the rumen thrive in a fluid environment and break down, digest and create by-products from the feed. When grain is added to the diet it increases acidity and this limits the bacteria and protozoa that digest cellulose. When a cow is fed grain regularly, cellulose digesting microbes are replaced with starch-users that thrive in the acid environment.