Ruminant Nutrition Part 2

Ensiling

Fermentation process preserving forages by reducing pH.

Lactic Acid

Main acid produced during forage fermentation.

Lactobacillus spp.

Bacteria dominating fermentation at low pH levels.

Clostridium butyricum

Bacteria causing secondary fermentation producing butyric acid.

Dry Matter (DM) Content

Higher DM reduces extent of fermentation.

Fermentation Duration

Optimal ensiling takes about 7 days.

Forage Harvesting

Grass cut and processed by forage harvesters.

Additives in Ensiling

Bacteria, enzymes, stimulants, and acids enhance fermentation.

Clamp Storage

Forage stored in sealed clamps to exclude air.

Bale Wrapping

Bales wrapped in plastic to prevent air exposure.

Aerobic Spoilage

Yeast and mold growth during feed out.

Mycotoxins

Toxins from molds reducing animal performance.

Listeriosis

Disease from high DM bales causing encephalitis.

Botulism

Toxin from ensiled dead animals causing illness.

Traumatic Reticulitis

Injury from foreign objects causing digestive issues.

Urea Treatment

Enhances forage quality during ensiling process.

Concentrate Feeds

High-starch feeds supplemented with minerals and vitamins.

Pelleted Form

Concentrates often processed into pellet shapes.

Creep Feeders

Feeding young stock concentrates ad-libitum.

In-parlour Feeders

Concentrates fed to dairy cows during milking.

Total Mixed Ration (TMR)

Combined feed of forages and concentrates for cows.

Rumen Acidosis

Condition from overfeeding concentrates reducing rumen pH.

Bloat

Gas buildup from excessive concentrates in diet.

Growth Rates

Beef animals achieve 1.4 to 1.8 kg/d growth.

Nutrient Imbalances

Concentrates used to correct deficiencies in diets.