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Tag: Ruminant diet

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Is Basal Feed High in Carbohydrates? A Comprehensive Nutritional Guide

6 min read
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.

Which of these is considered a non-protein nitrogen source?

4 min read
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.

What distinguishes a feed as roughage for animal nutrition?

2 min read
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.

What is Bypass Protein Meal? A Comprehensive Guide to Ruminant Nutrition

4 min read
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.

What Qualifies Beef to be Truly Grass Fed?

5 min read
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.

How Many Carbs Does a Cow Have? Unpacking Ruminant Digestion

4 min read
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.

The Comprehensive Guide to the Benefits of Beet Pulp

3 min read
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.