How to feed cows in the summer: features of feeding animals in the warm season

кормление коров летом
During the summer, the diet of cows has its own characteristics, since animals are affected by heat, overheating and water loss, which can affect their digestion, health and productivity.
In the summer months, the air temperature can reach high levels, which increases the heat load on cows and affects their appetite and digestion. Lack of fluid leads to dehydration of animals. Therefore, ensure access to sufficient fresh water. Check the water level in the drinkers more often or install automatic ones.
The diet of cows in the summer should also be balanced, taking into account the needs of animals in various nutrients. There should be enough protein in the diet to maintain the health and productivity of cows. The lack of protein leads to a weakening of the immune system and deterioration of the condition of animals. Another important aspect of feeding cows in the summer is to ensure sufficient content of minerals and vitamins in the diet. The lack of important trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc leads to various diseases and disorders in animals.

The main sources of nutrition for cows in the summer

In the summer, it is important to maintain a high content of juicy feeds in the diet – fresh grass, green feeds and vegetables. They have a high content of vitamins, minerals and moisture, which helps animals fight thirst and overheating. It is also important to take into account that in the heat of cows, the need for energy for thermoregulation of the body increases. Therefore, there should be enough carbohydrates in the diet.
It is important for young animals (calves) to provide sufficient protein, vitamins and minerals for growth and development. The diet may include hay, silage, grain, milk or a milk substitute.
It is important for dairy cows to provide sufficient energy and protein for milk production. The diet may include hay, silage, grain, feed additives and vitamins.

For cows during pregnancy, provide high-quality feed with sufficient calcium, phosphorus and protein content for fetal development. Hay, silage, grain, vitamin supplements and minerals can be included in the diet.
Dairy cows have increased needs for energy, protein, vitamins and minerals to produce milk. In the summer, it is especially important to maintain a proper diet in order to ensure high productivity and animal health. The diet of dairy cows can include hay, silage, grain, energy feed additives and minerals.

To calculate the required amount of feed, take into account the weight, size, activity level and physiological needs of the animal. Consult with a veterinarian or an animal nutrition specialist to determine the optimal diet.

Problems and diseases associated with improper nutrition in summer

Improper nutrition leads to various problems. The fat content of milk is one of the main problems associated with an improper diet in summer. An overabundance of energy in the diet of livestock leads to an increase in fats in milk, which can negatively affect its quality. To solve this problem, provide animals with a balanced diet that meets their energy and nutrient needs, and control the amount of feed to avoid excessive consumption.
Gout and metabolic diseases are another serious problem associated with malnutrition in summer. Gout is a disease caused by metabolic disorders that occurs due to excessive consumption of protein and energy. Metabolic diseases such as mastitis and metritis also occur due to an irrational diet. To prevent these diseases, monitor the nutrition of animals, providing them with the right ratio of energy, protein and other nutrients.
Poisoning by plants and feed is another common problem in summer. Some plants, such as datura and weeds, may contain toxic substances that can cause poisoning of animals. In addition, poor-quality and contaminated feed can lead to poisoning of the entire herd. To prevent such cases, carefully select animal feed and exclude toxic plants.

Methods and means of feed quality control

Haylage and silage quality analysis is an integral part of the feed control process. Haylage and silage are green feeds that have been fermented and clogged to preserve nutrients. Various methods are used to analyze the quality of haylage and silage, such as assessment of appearance (color, odor, consistency), chemical analysis (determination of crude protein, fiber, fat, ash) and microbiological analysis (determination of the number of microorganisms).
After analyzing the quality of the haylage and silage, their suitability for feeding can be assessed. The high quality of haylage and silage provides animals with the necessary amount of nutrients, which has a positive effect on their health and productivity.

The second method of quality control is the analysis of feed nutrition. To do this, physico-chemical methods are used to determine the content of essential nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Keep in mind that the nutritional value of the feed must meet the needs of a particular animal species and their physiological characteristics.

In the process of analyzing the nutritional value of feeds, the laboratory takes into account their composition and the degree of digestibility of nutrients. For example, high-fiber feeds may be energy poor for animals despite having sufficient protein content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, feeding cows in the summer has its own characteristics that must be taken into account to ensure their health and productivity. It is important to make a balanced diet, taking into account the peculiarities of the weather, the needs of animals and the purpose of feeding. The diet should contain sufficient amounts of energy, protein, vitamins, minerals and be fresh and of high quality. Following these recommendations, it is possible to provide cows with optimal living conditions and increase their productivity.

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