The lack of green forage during winter and spring can be effectively addressed by using silage as a primary feed source for cows. After 45 days of proper fermentation, the silage stored in the pit becomes soft, flavorful, and highly nutritious, making it an excellent option for livestock feeding. However, to ensure optimal results, there are three key points to consider when feeding silage to cows.
First, **silage quality identification** is crucial. The color should be blue-green or yellow-green. If the silage appears black or brown, it may have spoiled or become moldy, and such portions should be removed before feeding. In terms of smell, high-quality silage has a sweet and sour aroma with a strong, pleasant scent—similar to that of fermented fruit. A strong sour odor indicates possible mold, and corrective actions should be taken before feeding. When touched, good silage should feel soft and moist. If it feels sticky or dry and hard, it may have been affected by mold and needs treatment before being given to the animals.
Second, the **feeding method** plays a significant role in maintaining cow health. Silage should be introduced gradually to avoid digestive issues. It is best to mix silage with other roughages like soybean hay, yew, or cereal grass. Feeding silage alone can lower the rumen pH, increasing the risk of acidosis. To counter this, adding 3% baking soda to the concentrate can help neutralize acids, stimulate digestion, and improve milk production. Each feeding session should involve mixing silage evenly with hay to prevent cows from becoming picky eaters.
Third, **feeding quantity** must be adjusted based on the cow's size and milk output. For a 500 kg cow producing 20 kg of milk daily, 20 kg of silage and 5 kg of hay per day is recommended. For higher-producing cows (over 30 kg of milk), 30 kg of silage and 8 kg of hay are appropriate. Cows weighing 400 kg and producing 15 kg of milk should receive 15 kg of silage and 5 kg of hay. For cows producing less than 15 kg, 15 kg of silage and 10 kg of hay are suitable. It’s important to stop feeding silage 15 days before and after calving. Dry cows should receive 10 kg of silage daily along with some hay. Breeding cattle should be fed less silage, ideally under 8 kg, while young animals should receive little or no silage at all.
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