The winter period is the time when cows switch to stable keeping. At this time, access to fresh pasture grass is limited, which requires significant dietary adjustments. The winter period is characterized by changing nutritional conditions, and livestock breeders must take into account the peculiarities of diets in order to achieve maximum productivity and preserve the health of cows. A properly formulated diet in winter is the key to animal health, high productivity and obtaining high–quality milk.
The importance of nutritional analysis of feed
Before forming a diet, it is important to analyze the nutritional value of feed. This allows you to accurately determine the nutrient content in each component of the feed and adapt the diet to the specific needs of the animal. In winter, special attention should be paid to providing protein, as the need for it increases due to a decrease in activity. Nutrient testing will also help to avoid overconsumption of feed and reduce maintenance costs.
Features of winter feeding of cows
In winter, cattle (hereinafter referred to as cattle) find themselves in conditions of a lack of natural pasture lands, which requires a special approach to the preparation of rations. By reducing the activity of cows and reducing their need for certain nutrients, it is important to ensure a balanced diet for the animals so that they maintain their productivity, health and well-being.
The main components of the winter diet are coarse, juicy and concentrated feeds. Coarse provides the need for fiber, which is important for maintaining proper digestion. Succulent ones, such as silage and haylage, help to provide additional moisture to the diet and increase its nutritional value. Concentrated feed, which includes compound feed for cattle, play an important role in meeting the increased energy and protein needs of animals.
The basic principles of animal nutrition in winter include:
- nutrient balance. The diet should contain an optimal ratio of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. A lack or excess of any component can negatively affect the animal's health;
- variety. To meet all the needs of the cattle's body, the diet should be varied. It includes coarse (hay, straw) and juicy (silage, root crops) feeds, concentrates (grain, cake, meal) and feed additives;
- feed quality directly affects their nutritional value and digestibility. They must be dry, clean, free of mold and rot;
- the regularity of feeding. Cows should receive food at a strictly defined time and in the same quantities to normalize digestion.
Premixes and mineral supplements
Premixes and mineral feed additives play a key role in the preparation of the winter diet. BVMD premix (protein-vitamin-mineral supplements) is necessary to provide cows with all necessary vitamins and minerals. They help to increase productivity, maintain animal health and improve their reproductive function. The use of such supplements, especially those containing vitamins A, D, E and trace elements such as selenium and zinc, will help support the immune system of cows and improve metabolism.
Mineral feed additives, which may include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and other trace elements, help prevent nutrient deficiencies, which is especially important in winter, when access to fresh pasture feed is limited. Regular use of these additives can improve the metabolism of cows and increase the digestibility of food.
Balancing feed additives
Balancing feed additives play an important role in winter nutrition. They allow you to adjust the diet depending on the quality of the main feed and the requirements of the animals. For example, if there is not enough protein or energy in the feed, the use of such additives will help to achieve the necessary balance. Protein feed additive includes easily digestible sources of protein, vitamins and minerals.
Tracking health and productivity
In addition to proper nutrition, it is important to regularly monitor the health of cows. During winter maintenance, attention should be paid to the condition of the animals in order to exclude possible problems associated with improper nutrition or a lack of certain vitamins and minerals. Regular veterinary examinations and health analysis will help to identify and correct possible violations in a timely manner. In winter, cows are prone to various diseases such as mastitis, pneumonia, hypothermia and others. It is important to regularly check the health status of animals, as well as carry out preventive measures to prevent the development of diseases.
Additional recommendations:
- clean water. Water is one of the most important components of the cattle diet. In winter, drinking water can freeze, which makes it difficult for animals to access it. Therefore, it is necessary to provide cows with water using heated drinkers or actively cleaning traditional drinkers from ice so that the animals can drink at any time;
- the physiological state of animals. Dairy cows need more nutrition with a high protein content to maintain their milk production and health. Pregnant women need a balanced diet to meet both their needs and those of the fetus. It is important to provide them with sufficient vitamins and minerals for the proper development of the calf;
- proper storage of feed in winter is especially important in order to preserve their nutritional properties. Store hay and silage in a dry and rain-protected place. Good ventilation is also important to prevent rotting. Storing feeds in airtight containers can help protect them from insects and moisture;
- regular cleaning of feeders. Clean feeders are the key to hygiene and disease prevention.
Conclusion
Feeding cows in winter requires special attention and a competent approach. The development of a balanced diet, consideration of the physiological state of animals, adequate water supply and compliance with feed storage conditions are all critically important for maintaining the health and productivity of cows in winter. Paying due attention to these aspects, animal breeders will be able to provide their wards with everything necessary for a successful wintering and a further productive season.
