Tag: Ruminant diet

Hay is often perceived as just dry grass, but for many herbivorous animals, it is a crucial, complex food source. Understanding if there is any nutritional value in hay is key to maintaining the health and well-being of livestock and pets alike.

According to agricultural nutrition experts, basal feed is defined as a concentrated source of energy, primarily comprising starches and sugars. Yes, basal feed is typically high in carbohydrates, forming the main energy component of a livestock animal's diet. This article explores the types of carbohydrates in basal feed and their significance for different animals.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), urea was first used to supplement ruminant feeds in the early 20th century. The compound is the most common example of a non-protein nitrogen (NPN) source, a category of substances that can be converted into true protein by microbes in the rumen. This makes urea a cost-effective and crucial component in the diets of cattle, sheep, and other ruminant animals, particularly when natural protein sources are scarce or expensive.

According to the National Research Council, a feed is classified as roughage if its crude fiber content is a minimum of 18% on a dry matter basis. This fundamental measurement of fibrous, slowly-degradable material is what distinguishes a feed as roughage and sets it apart from more nutrient-dense concentrate feeds.

Up to 80% of protein in conventional feed is degraded in the rumen of cattle, but bypass protein meal is specially processed to escape this initial digestion, allowing for more efficient absorption of essential amino acids in the animal's intestines. This technology is vital for meeting the high nutritional demands of modern, high-producing livestock.

According to USDA guidelines, beef can be labeled “grass-fed” even if the cattle spent time in a feedlot eating grain. To understand what qualifies beef to be truly grass fed, consumers must go beyond the basic label and investigate the animal's entire diet and living conditions. This involves recognizing the critical distinction between 'grass-fed' and '100% grass-fed' or 'grass-finished' beef.

While a cow's diet can consist of 60-70% carbohydrates, the animal itself does not have a high carbohydrate content, unlike its feed. The seemingly simple question of 'how many carbs does a cow have?' reveals a complex biological process centered on their unique ruminant digestive system.

Dairy from grain-fed cows contains significantly less of the odd-chain saturated fatty acid C15:0 than that from grass-fed cows. This key distinction directly answers the question, 'Does grass-fed butter have C15 in it?', and highlights how animal husbandry practices influence the nutritional content of our food.

As a sustainable byproduct of the sugar beet industry, beet pulp is widely used in animal feeds across the world. This fibrous material is celebrated for its highly digestible fiber content and its significant contributions to energy provision and overall animal wellness.