Phases of the cow’s life cycle and the role of feed additives

Cows are one of the most important animals in agriculture, and their products are an important source of nutrition for people. To ensure proper nutrition and health for them throughout their life cycle, it is necessary to understand the phases of their development and the corresponding nutritional needs.
The life cycle of a cow includes the following main phases: calf, young, calving, dairy cows and aging. Each of these phases has its own characteristics and requires certain nutrients for normal development and maintenance of health.

We understand the life cycle of a cow

The calf phase, from birth to 60 days, is the earliest and most important. In this phase, the calf needs high-quality feed with a high protein and energy content to support muscle growth and development. The lack of sufficient nutrients in this phase leads to growth disorders and poor health in the future.
The young growth phase is the period from 2 to 12 months. Young animals need high-quality feed, rich in proteins, energy and minerals for active growth and development. It is important to provide enough pasture and feed to meet the needs of a young cow.
The dairy cow phase is the stage when a cow begins to give milk. During this period, special attention is paid to energy and calcium needs. Dairy cows require a feed high in protein, energy, minerals and vitamins to provide high-quality milk and maintain the animal’s health. Aging is the last phase of a cow’s life cycle, when the animal’s nutritional needs may change. A cow may have health and digestive problems, so it is important to provide it with nutrients that will help maintain and increase vitality.
Feed additives and premixes are used in all phases of the life cycle to balance and improve the diet of cattle (cattle). Balancing feed additives for cows are of great importance in making up the diet and providing the animals with the necessary nutrients. They optimize and improve the nutritional value of feed, improve digestion, provide essential nutrients and promote the growth, development and maintenance of animal health. Proper use of feed additives improves the productivity and efficiency of animal husbandry, helps cows cope with adverse factors or stressful situations. Use feed additives wisely, following the manufacturers’ recommendations and not exceeding the recommended doses.

How to use animal feed additives

It is important to note that the selection and use of feed additives should be carried out under the supervision and recommendations of a veterinary specialist and in accordance with the rules:
  • choose quality products from reliable manufacturers. The quality of the premixes significantly affects the effectiveness and results. It is recommended to buy premix from trusted suppliers such as VinnerAgro, who guarantee high quality products;
  • consider the purpose of additives. Each supplement has its own characteristics and is intended for specific purposes. Some are specifically formulated to boost milk levels or improve digestion, while others contain antibiotics or vitamins. Therefore, before using an additive, carefully study its characteristics and purposes of use and take into account possible interactions between different additives. Some may be incompatible with each other and their simultaneous use will lead to undesirable consequences;
  • dose it correctly. The optimal amount of premixes needed to be added to the diet depends on various factors, such as the age and weight of the animals, their nutritional needs, and housing conditions. For best results, consult with a specialist in the field of animal husbandry to determine the optimal dose of premixes for a particular herd of cattle;
  • mix the premixes correctly. Before adding premixes to the diet, ensure their uniform distribution over the entire mass of the feed mixture. To do this, place the additives in a special mixer or mix them well with a large amount of feed by manual stirring. Do not allow the formation of lumps or uneven distribution of premixes, as this can lead to improper nutrition of animals;
  • follow the instructions for use. Each protein feed additive has instructions that specify recommendations for use and dosage. Carefully study this information in order to apply them correctly in the diet of cattle. If you have any doubts or questions, please consult the manufacturer or a qualified specialist.;
  • monitor the results regularly. Monitor the condition of the animals and evaluate their reaction to the addition of premixes to the diet. If you encounter any problems, such as refusal to feed or deterioration of the general condition, contact your veterinarian;
  • store premixes according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Mineral additives have the ability to absorb moisture, so choose a clean, dry, protected from direct sunlight and well-ventilated room for their storage. When buying in bulk, pour them into smaller packages, because large bags often remain open for too long, which leads to a loss of quality. Carefully monitor the expiration date and do not use products that have exceeded the specified period.

Сonclusion

In conclusion, proper nutrition is a fundamental aspect of a cow’s health throughout its life cycle. Understanding the phases of development and the corresponding nutrient needs ensures optimal cow health and productivity, and improves the quality of its products for human consumption. The reasonable use of premixes in the diet of cattle is an important factor for achieving optimal results in animal husbandry. When choosing and using premixes, follow the above rules, but it is important to remember that feed additives cannot completely replace proper nutrition and must be part of a balanced diet to achieve optimal nutritional value for cows.

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