Tag: Livestock diet

A lactating dairy cow requires a significantly different energy intake than a dry cow or a young heifer. Understanding how many calories are in cow food is critical for farmers to ensure proper animal health, production, and efficient nutrient utilization, which varies immensely between different feedstuffs.

Scientific feeding with a balanced ration has been shown to increase milk production by 15-20% and reduce enteric methane emissions in lactating dairy animals. A balanced ration is a crucial component of modern livestock management, ensuring that animals receive the precise mix of nutrients necessary for health, growth, and maximum productivity.

According to agricultural studies, fermented feeds containing probiotics have been shown to improve digestion and enhance nutrient absorption in livestock. Probiotic alfalfa is a specific type of fermented forage that leverages these benefits by introducing beneficial bacteria and yeast into an animal's diet.

According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) has been a cornerstone of feed analysis for over a century, despite its recognized limitations. This foundational metric helps farmers and nutritionists understand what is TDN in nutrition by estimating the energy value of feedstuffs for livestock.

Feed costs can account for as much as 65-75% of total livestock production costs. Mastering how to calculate feed composition is therefore crucial for optimizing animal health, maximizing performance, and ensuring profitability for any farm operation by creating nutritionally complete rations.

According to the USDA, an animal with the 'organic' certification can still be fed grain, so a USDA organic label does not automatically mean the product is also grass-fed. Consumers often assume that these two labels are interchangeable, but they signify very different standards regarding livestock care and diet.

While most forages contain potassium, certain types, particularly legumes, accumulate significantly higher levels. Understanding what hay is high in potassium is critical for managing the diets of sensitive livestock, such as horses with Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP) or dry dairy cows.

According to the USDA Economic Research Service, corn accounts for more than 95% of total feed grain production and use in the United States, making it a prime example of an energy feed. This category of feeds provides the essential calories needed for animal maintenance, growth, and reproduction.

Since its popularization in the 1950s, total mixed ration (TMR) feeding has become a standard practice for managing high-producing, indoor-housed dairy herds globally. What is TMR in nutrition, and why has this method become so widely adopted by livestock producers aiming to optimize animal health, performance, and profitability?

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), adult dog food must contain at least 18% protein on a dry basis. Understanding what is the percentage of protein in feed is crucial for ensuring proper nutrition for all types of livestock and pets, as requirements vary significantly by species, age, and production stage.