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 tough, bulky, and not very palatable, making them difficult to digest. However, they are rich in minerals and play a key role in supporting bone development. By properly processing and adjusting these roughages, they can be effectively used in livestock and poultry feeding, contributing to the growth of the food and aquaculture industries.
There's an old saying: "An inch of grass is worth three knives," meaning that cutting forage into shorter pieces significantly improves its usability. By chopping long grass into smaller sections, feed efficiency can increase by about 15%, and up to 20% of feed can be saved. This method helps animals that struggle with long stems to consume more easily, improving digestion and nutrient absorption. For example, cow fodder is often cut into 4-6 cm lengths, while sheep prefer even shorter pieces.
Mechanically processing coarse grasses makes it easier for animals to eat and digest. It also aids in mixing digestive juices with the feed, reducing energy expenditure during digestion and increasing overall feed utilization. Soft feeding methods, such as salting, saccharification, ammoniation, or microbial fermentation, can greatly enhance the palatability and digestibility of forage, making it more nutritious and easier to process.
When feeding, it's common to start with roughage first, especially when animals are hungry. This encourages them to eat more of the coarse feed before being given concentrates or higher-quality forage based on their nutritional needs. This approach not only saves feed but also takes full advantage of ruminants' ability to utilize roughage efficiently.
However, crude feeds often lack sufficient vitamins. Therefore, it’s important to supplement them with green, juicy, or sprouted feeds to ensure a balanced diet. Long-term feeding of a single type of roughage can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues. For instance, feeding cattle and sheep only wheat straw for extended periods may cause ruminal atony, while horses might suffer from indigestion.
To maintain animal health, it's essential to use roughage and coarse feeds wisely and diversely. Avoiding monotonous feeding practices helps prevent diseases and ensures that animals receive all necessary nutrients for optimal growth and performance.
Solar Wall Lamp,Integrated Solar Wall Lamp,Solar Wall Lamp Outdoor,Led Solar Wall Lamp
Land of Lights Electric Appliance Co., LTD , https://www.loloutdoorlight.com