Sugar beet feed the secret to cattle feeding success
Whether feeding youngstock, beef cows or dairy cows, the secret to
success lies in maximising the benefits that come from their unique
digestive system. The rumen is capable of converting huge volumes of
lower cost plant material into high value meat or milk, but only if
supplied with the correct balance of feeds to maintain a good healthy
fermentation.
The speed of this fermentation is driven by how quickly the energy in
the feeds is broken down in the rumen, but maximum efficiency – and the
most efficient conversion of feed into production – occurs only when
the rumen microbes receive a more controlled supply of nutrients. If too
much energy is available too quickly, the result is an excess
production of lactic acid in the rumen, creating an acid environment
(low pH) that disrupts normal rumen activity.
The result is a condition called acidosis, a digestive upset of the
rumen that can either be acute (causing a dramatic and immediate
drop-off in feed intakes, growth and milk production) or can occur at a
less obvious, sub-clinical level. This sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA
for short) will produce a general reduction in animal vigour, feed
intake and productive performance that can easily go unnoticed.
The other key indicator that acidosis might be an issue is very loose
dung. Typically seen when cattle are turned out onto lush spring grass
or fed a ration containing too much cereal, it’s a clear signal that a
more balanced diet is needed.
And this is where sugar beet feed has such an important role to play.
Many energy feeds contain high levels of starch (e.g. cereal grains)
and low levels of digestible fibre, which together this can create an
acidosis risk. What’s needed is a balancing source of energy that breaks
down in the rumen more slowly, with the digestible fibre in sugar beet
feed one of the best options available.
Including sugar beet feed in youngstock, beef or dairy rations is
probably the most cost-effective way to help create a balanced supply of
energy in the rumen and help reduce the incidence of acidosis. Ideal as
a supplement fed alongside grazed grass, silage, cereals or
cereal-based concentrates, the result is better feed intakes, more milk and better growth – not only are digestive upsets avoided, but the
improved rumen fermentation will convert all feed more efficiently into
production.
Sugar beet feed is also highly palatable, with the additional
molasses added to many sugar beet products helping to further drive feed
intakes and increase production. Beef cattle fed dry cereal-based
finishing rations benefit hugely from the improvements in rumen
fermentation and intake that follow inclusion of sugar beet feed, whilst
the digestible fibre in sugar beet feed is known to promote milk fat production.
Feeding sugar beet feed as a replacement for part of the cereal-based
concentrates fed to dairy cows is one of the best ways to maintain or
improve milk butterfat percentage, particularly important when supplying
milk for cheese production on a ‘constituent’ contract or even when
just trying to achieve a minimum butterfat level.
More details: http://www.tridentfeeds.co.uk/news-events/news/british-sugar-beet-feed-the-secret-to-cattle-feeding-success/
Buy Natural.Organic. Rare.Open-pollinated Sugar beet seeds
Min seeds 500 seeds per packet
The Jammu and Kashmir medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Nambalbal, New Coloney Azizabad,
The Jammu and Kashmir medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Nambalbal, New Coloney Azizabad,
Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Pampore PPR J&K 192121
Mob:09858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
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Mob:09858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.in
