The nutritional value of cow feed is an important aspect in ensuring the health and efficiency of animal production. It directly affects their general condition, productivity and quality of milk produced. The diet of cows should be balanced, containing all the necessary nutrients in optimal amounts. It is important to understand which nutrients are needed specifically for cattle (hereinafter referred to as cattle), and how to choose the right feed to ensure a balanced diet.
The main nutritional elements of feed
Feed nutrients play an important role in animal life, affecting health, development and productivity. These elements support growth, metabolism, body temperature regulation, the immune system, and many others.
Essential nutrients needed for cows:
- proteins. They are a building material for tissues and cells of the animal's body, necessary for growth and development, maintenance of muscle mass, and regulation of metabolism. Proteins are a source of amino acids that are involved in many biological processes and provide animals with energy. They can be of plant or animal origin, and it is important to ensure cows have enough high-quality proteins in their diet for maximum productivity and health, as they affect milk and meat production;
- fats. They participate in thermoregulation, ensuring the preservation of heat in the body, help to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, ensure the health of the skin, coat, and cell membranes;
- carbohydrates. They are the main source of energy for animals, they provide the work of muscles, brain, heart and other organs. They are involved in the digestion and assimilation of food, affect blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates differ in structure and rate of assimilation, which affects the effectiveness of cow nutrition;
- vitamins and minerals. Vitamins are involved in the metabolism, growth and development of animals, but also support their health and immunity. Vitamins are divided into different groups, such as vitamin A, D, E, group B and others, each of which has its own specific function in the animal's body. Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron are essential for the health and productivity of animals, as well as for the formation of bones, teeth, neutral salts, and other important functions. A lack of vitamins and minerals can lead to diseases and worsen the general condition of animals. Therefore, it is important to provide cows with sufficient vitamins and minerals in the diet by using balancing feed additives.
Another important nutrient for animals is water. It participates in all biological processes, ensures the elimination of toxins, regulates body temperature, participates in digestion, and the transportation of nutrients. Adequate water consumption supports animal health and production efficiency.
When properly preparing a diet for cattle, take into account the specifics of the needs depending on the category of animals. Dairy cows require increased levels of protein and energy to ensure high productivity and health. Calves and young animals need a diet that promotes optimal growth and development. Pregnant cows require special nutrition to support pregnancy and successful fattening of calves.
Units for assessing the nutritional value of feed
In modern animal husbandry, it is important to correctly assess the nutritional value of feed in order to provide animals with the necessary substances and achieve maximum productivity. Various methods and units of measurement are used for this purpose.
One of the most common units for assessing the nutritional value of feed is the exchange energy (OE). It shows the amount of energy that an animal can receive from a certain amount of food after its body has fully absorbed it. OE is expressed in megajoules per kilogram of dry matter (MJ/kg SV) or in kilocalories per gram of dry matter (kcal/g SV).
In addition, factors such as digestibility and availability of nutrients are taken into account when assessing the nutritional value of feed. Digestibility is the body’s ability to absorb feed components, and accessibility is the ability to use these components to maintain the vital activity of the body. It is important to pay attention to the factors affecting the digestibility of feed: the quality of feed, the state of the digestive system of animals, possible dietary restrictions, etc.
It is important to note that the nutritional assessment of feed should be carried out regularly, as the composition of feed may vary depending on the season, growing conditions and other factors. It is worth noting that the nutritional needs of animals can vary according to age, gender, physiological condition and activity level.
How to balance the nutritional value of feed?
Specialized additives, compound feeds and premixes can be used to meet the needs of animals. Premix BMVD (protein-mineral-vitamin supplement) is a balanced mixture of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients intended for addition to animal feed. The use of premixes helps to provide cattle with an optimal level of mineral elements in the diet, compensating for deficiencies in basic feeds and improving the overall health of the herd. It is important to properly dose and add premixes to the diet of cows, taking into account the needs and characteristics. You can buy a premix from Winner Agro manufacturer, after consulting with a veterinarian or a feeding specialist in order to develop an optimal strategy for using premixes in animal nutrition.
When choosing feed for cattle, it is important to pay attention to compound feed — a mixture of feed with the necessary nutrients, vitamins, minerals and other additives. The use of compound feed simplifies the formation of the diet and provides the animals with all the necessary food components. The price of compound feed may vary and to choose the best option, contact reliable suppliers, taking into account the quality of products and the price-quality ratio.
Conclusion
The nutritional value of cattle feed affects health and productivity. Proper nutrition helps to improve the condition of animals, increase milk production and prevent diseases. A balanced diet allows cows to feel good and produce high-quality milk. When making a diet, take into account the nutrient content and the balancing of the feed to provide the animals with all the necessary nutrients. The selection and determination of the composition of the diet includes many aspects, such as the individual needs of animals, housing conditions, production goals, etc. A balanced diet designed with the nutritional needs of cows in mind contributes to optimal animal health and production.
The use of mineral feed additives, premixes and compound feeds contributes to the comprehensive improvement of cow nutrition and increased efficiency. A properly balanced diet that meets the needs of animals is a key factor in the successful breeding and maintenance of cows.
