Explained are the effects of forage qualities and feed-bunk management on cow health and production.
In Applied Animal Science, a fresh viewpoint and commentary evaluates previous evidence on how fibre content and particle size of feed impact eating, rumination, and productive response in dairy cows. Previous research has shown that recumbent rumination is the most effective since it increases saliva output and is helpful to the cow’s general health. Furthermore, longer recumbent rumination time has been associated to higher fat and protein content in milk. This article recommends forage chop length to balance feeding and recumbent rumination time in order to optimise cow calorie intake, health, and production.
“In a dairy cow’s ideal environment, 80% or more of daily rumination should occur while lying down,” stated main scientist R. J. Grant, PhD, of the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute. “Recumbent rumination results in a healthier rumen pH, greater DMI, and milk with higher milk fat and protein content.”
Cows frequently crush feed to a relatively common particle size before consuming, even though the total mixed ration (TMR) has a broad variety of particle sizes, according to research. Larger particles need more chewing, although this does not always imply longer rumination durations. “Dairy managers, nutritionists, and crop personnel must all consider the time it takes a cow to ingest forage in her TMR and understand that eating, resting, and ruminating behaviours are biologically linked, and our nutritional and management systems must not unlink them,” Grant said. “Forage fibre within the TMR must be optimised for efficient consumption, and cow comfort must be optimised for the dairy cow to effectively process the swallowed feed via recumbent rumination.”
“This article provides well-founded perspectives and commentary about factors influencing dairy cattle chewing behaviour,” said David Beede, PhD, editor in chief of Applied Animal Science. The essay, written by two well-known and experienced researchers and practitioners, offers practical advice for integrating ideas and information regarding forage maturity, fibre degradability, particle size, fragility, and moisture content.”
Beede has observed that forage fibre qualities interact with feed bunk management to influence correct balance in order to optimise feeding time, rumination, and resting activity. “Recommendations (e.g., for theoretical length of cut and ration particle size distribution) emerge from these concepts to optimise lactational performance.”
The authors stated that by following the guidelines for forage chop length and TMR particle distributions, cows would be able to obtain the most nutritious value from their forages.
“Time spent eating at the feed bunk can be considered an integral component of forage quality,” Grant said. “Lower quality forage is less fermentable and requires more time to digest.” Both have the potential to decrease energy use, as well as health and productivity.”
The authors proposed that the length of cut for forages be changed depending on fibre degradability, fragility, and moisture content for crops such as maize silage based on the reviewed study. “As forages mature, their degradability decreases, and they become less fragile,” Grant stated, “they should be chopped shorter to ensure optimal eating and ruminating responses.” Similarly, young or more delicate forages should be chopped for a longer period of time.”
