Cattle feed is something more complex than it is supposed. People think that ruminants just take their grass, chew it, gulp it, process it slowly, get fat and then start again. Well, here is something else to think about.
All kind of forage has its specific features. What is called common grass can be millions of varieties. From timothy to festuca, each one has got different components which make them provide with diverse nutrients. This means that some bring more proteins, others, fiber and others, vitamines.
Grass, alfalfa and cereals
Hay bales are the most popular cattle feed. Even if they are dried grass, they provide a sustainable diet when your herd cannot have it in the fields.
Alfalfa is a legouminous plant, but it features the best performance for livestock, if you feed them wisely. Alfalfa sprouts are pure delicatessen for cattle, and alfalfa pellets are a very practical way to feed them.
Cereals like ryegrass are one of the most used forages. Among the cattle feed options they are great as fiber provider and fatteners.
Cotton seeds
Here you are a new choice. Cottonseeds are rich in proteins, vitamins and fiber, making an excellent combination of the other cattle feed's features.
Cottoseed meal is the inner part of the seed, which is processed and separated from the kernel. It has got more amino acids and proteine content than other plants like soy.
The cottonseed hulls, or the outer part of the seeds, are a superb source of fiber and energy.
It has been demonstrated that a good mixture of cottonseed, alfalfa, ryegrass and hay is the best horse food.
Cottonseed's price and availability are not a problem since the new technologies have reduced costs and quality.
Forage is not the only way to feed first class livestock. If you visit our website you can find more information on the features of a variety of cattle feed.
