How much feed does a dairy cow need?

A dairy cow will eat 1.5 to 2% of body weight daily as forage (hay equivalent). Fifteen to 20 lbs. of hay or equivalent from other forages will keep a cow’s rumen functioning normally. Feed some grain — up to 1.5% of body weight) during the last 7 to 10 days of the dry period – to lead cows into production.

What are the nutritional needs of dairy cattle?

Carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and water are all nutrients required by the lactating dairy cow to meet the demand by the mammary gland to produce milk and milk components.

What is the best feed for a dairy cow?

Cereal grains (barley, corn, sorghum, rice, wheat) are the typical “high energy” feeds for dairy cows, but they are low in protein. Rolled or cracked cereal grains are excellent sources of readily fermentable carbohydrates (starch) which increase the concentration of energy when included in the diet.

How much feed does a milk cow eat per day?

As a rule of thumb, a cow will eat 2 to 2.5 pounds of hay per day for each 100 pounds of body weight (about one 30- to 40-lb. bale per day). If you feed grain, the usual is 16% dairy ration, which will balance well with most pasture or hay.

What is the best feed for dairy cattle?

Sorghum Fodder: Sorghum is also considered as one of the best fodder crops for dairy cattle. The sorghum fodder is cultivated both for grains and green fodder, and it is highly drought tolerant. You can plant sorghum throughout the year, and many varieties are available.

What is the best dairy cow feed?

Dairy cows also need to eat as much as possible to produce adequate quantities of milk. Fine, palatable alfalfa hay is a superior choice over coarse or grassy types. When you are facing high costs, consider feeding your beef cattle a mixture of straw and some variety of protein.

What are facts about dairy cows?

Cows are ruminants, which are cud chewing mammals. Sheep and camels also are ruminants. A cow chews her cud (regurgitated, partially digested food) for up to 8 hours each day. Dairy cows provide 90% of the world’s milk supply.

How do you feed a beef calf?

The creep feeder provides supplemental feed for calves. A typical creep feeding ration is corn or a mixture of 65 percent corn and 35 percent oats. Place beef feeder calves on good quality pasture to economically gain weight.