High-energy forages are animal feeds with high energy value, including cereal grains and their by-products, high-protein oil meals or cakes, and by-products from processing sugar beets, sugarcane, animals, and fish. They are fed to livestock to support maximal growth and weight gain.
What are the classifications of animal feeds?
Animal feeds are generally classified into two main categories:
- Concentrates: These are high in energy value and include ingredients like fat, cereal grains (such as barley, corn, oats, rye, and wheat) and their by-products, high-protein oil meals or cakes (like soybean, canola, cottonseed, and peanut), and by-products from processing sugar beets, sugarcane, animals, and fish.
- Roughages: This category includes pasture grasses, hays, silage, root crops, straw, and stover (cornstalks).
How is silage made and stored?
Silage is made by packing immature plants in an airtight storage container, which allows fermentation to develop acetic and lactic acids, preserving the moist feed. Storage can occur in upright tower silos or trenches. The moisture concentration of the forage should be between 50% and 70%, depending on the silage type; lower levels can cause insufficient packing, leading to molding, while higher moisture results in nutrient losses and excessively acidic silage.
What role do roughages play in beef cattle feed?
Beef cattle can utilize both low and high-quality roughages, such as pasture forage, hay, silage, corn fodder, straw, and grain by-products. They can also use nonprotein nitrogen, like urea and biuret, as feed supplements, supplying a significant portion of their protein needs.
People Also Ask (PAA) Section
What makes a forage high-energy?
High-energy forages are rich in digestible carbohydrates and fats, providing livestock with the energy needed for growth, reproduction, and activity. Concentrates like cereal grains and oil meals are prime examples, offering a dense source of calories.
How do high-energy forages contribute to livestock diets?
These forages are essential for দ্রুত weight gain and optimal performance, especially in feedlots where cattle are fattened for market. They provide the necessary nutrients to meet the high-energy demands of rapidly growing animals.
What are the benefits of using silage as a high-energy forage?
Silage offers several advantages, including long-term storage with minimal nutrient loss and efficient use of various forage plants like corn, sorghum, and grasses. The fermentation process also enhances digestibility, making nutrients more accessible to livestock.
In summary, high-energy forages are crucial for livestock nutrition, providing the necessary energy for growth and production. Feeds are classified into concentrates and roughages, each playing a vital role in animal diets.
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