The quality of milk, one of the most valuable products of animal origin, directly depends on the nutrition of cows. Feed additives for farm animals play an important role in the diet of cattle (hereinafter referred to as cattle) and significantly affect both the composition and taste of milk. Modern animal husbandry strives to use a wide range of feed additives to optimize the diet, improve animal health and improve product quality.
Types of feed additives
One of the most popular types of feed additives is premix. It is a balanced blend of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, designed to be mixed with basic food. Premixes compensate for the lack of nutrients and increase the digestibility of food. If you want to improve the nutrition efficiency of your animals, buying a premix will be an excellent solution. The right choice of premix depends on the type of animal, seasonality and the specifics of the content.
Compound feed for cows, in turn, is the main food for many farm animals. His choice should be based on the needs of your animals and their physiological condition. Research shows that compound feeds produced in Belarus are of high quality and have a balanced composition. Belarusian manufacturers use advanced technologies and carefully select raw materials, which allows them to produce products that meet modern requirements.
Another important type of feed additives are protein-vitamin-mineral supplements (hereinafter – BMVD), which are used to improve metabolism, enhance immunity and prevent diseases. They have a particularly positive effect on cattle, contributing to an increase in milk yield and an improvement in milk quality. They may contain probiotics, prebiotics, herbal extracts and other beneficial ingredients. It is important to note that the use of BVMD for cattle should be justified, since their effectiveness depends on compliance with technological standards and recommendations of specialists.
Effect on the composition of milk
Feed additives for cows can significantly change the composition of milk, namely, affect:
- the fat level. An increase in the fat content can have a positive effect on the overall quality of the product, its taste characteristics and suitability for processing;
- the protein content. High protein content is an important factor for milk processors, as it determines the quality and price of the final dairy products;
- lactose. Although the lactose content in milk is largely stable, some additives can affect the metabolism in the animal's body, which in turn can change the level of lactose;
- the mineral composition. Vitamin feed additives and minerals, like magnesium and calcium, can affect mineralization, which is important for the health of the end consumer who consumes dairy products.
The taste of milk
Negative consequences
How to choose the right feed additives?
- the breed of the animal. Each breed has its own digestive characteristics and nutritional needs;
- the lactation phase. Nutritional requirements vary depending on the stage of lactation;
- feed quality. Feed additives compensate for the lack of nutrients in the main feed;
- target indicators. When choosing additives, it is necessary to clearly define what result you want to get (increased milk yield, improved quality, etc.).
Conclusion
Feed additives are an important element of the cow’s diet, which has a significant impact on the composition and taste of milk. A competent approach to their use can help livestock breeders improve the quality of their products, improve animal health and meet the needs of consumers. However, it is important to remember that each decision must be based on a thorough analysis and meet the individual conditions and needs of the herd. Therefore, the use of feed additives requires attention and knowledge in order to achieve maximum effect and avoid potential problems.
