Crude feed typically refers to plant-based feeds that are high in fiber and low in nutritional value, such as crop straw, leaves, hay, husks, gluten, and pods. These feeds are usually coarse, bulky, and not very palatable, making them difficult for animals to digest. However, they tend to be rich in minerals and can support healthy bone development. When properly processed and combined with other feed types, crude feed can significantly enhance the efficiency of livestock and poultry farming, contributing to a more sustainable and cost-effective feeding system.
There's an old saying: "An inch of grass is worth three knives, don't expect it to be on the raft." This highlights the importance of cutting forage grass into shorter pieces for easier feeding. By chopping forage into smaller lengths, feed savings of around 20% can be achieved, while feed utilization increases by about 15%. This method also helps animals that struggle to eat long stems, improving their digestion and overall performance. Typically, cow fodder is cut into 4–6 cm sections, while sheep prefer even shorter pieces.
Mechanically processing coarse grasses makes them easier for livestock to consume and digest. This process helps mix digestive juices with the forage more effectively, reducing energy expenditure during digestion and increasing feed efficiency.
Softening hard grasses through salinization, saccharification, ammoniation, or microbial fermentation can greatly improve their taste and digestibility, making them more appealing to animals and enhancing nutrient absorption.
A common feeding strategy involves first offering roughage to hungry animals, encouraging them to eat more of the coarse feed before providing concentrates or higher-quality forage based on their specific nutritional needs. This approach not only saves on forage but also takes full advantage of ruminants' ability to process roughage efficiently.
Crude feeds often lack sufficient vitamins, so it's important to supplement them with green, juicy, or sprouted feeds to ensure a balanced diet. A varied and well-rounded feeding plan is essential when using roughage. Long-term reliance on a single type of roughage can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues. For example, feeding cattle and sheep exclusively with wheat straw over time may cause ruminal atony, while horses might develop indigestion. Therefore, it's crucial to maintain diversity in the feeding regimen to support the health and productivity of livestock.
General Flood Light,General Purpose Led Flood Lights,General Electric Flood Light,General Electric Flood Light Bulbs
Land of Lights Electric Appliance Co., LTD , https://www.loloutdoorlight.com