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Feed conversion ratio (FCR) is the ratio of inputs to outputs; it is the inverse of "feed efficiency" which is the ratio of outputs to inputs. [2] FCR is widely used in hog and poultry production, while FE is used more commonly with cattle. [2]
The issue is often complicated by the political interests and confusion between labels such as "free range", "organic", and "natural". Cut fodder being transported to feed cattle in Tanzania. Cattle reared on a primarily forage diet are termed grass-fed or pasture-raised; meat or milk may be called "grass-fed beef" or "pasture-raised dairy". [6]
Forage is a plant material (mainly plant leaves and stems) eaten by grazing livestock. [13] Historically, the term forage has meant only plants eaten by the animals directly as pasture, crop residue, or immature cereal crops, but it is also used more loosely to include similar plants cut for fodder and carried to the animals, especially as hay ...
Forage analysis is an integral part of modern animal production. Livestock managers require detailed information about the feedstuffs of their herds in order to best achieve production goals, whether they are concerned with economic efficiency, nutrient efficiency or maximum yields. [ 1 ]
Forages, also known as "roughage," are plant materials classified as legumes or grasses, found in pastures or in hay. Often, pastures and hayfields will contain a blend of both grasses and legumes. Nutrients available in forage vary greatly with maturity of the grasses, fertilization, management, and environmental conditions. [27]
In a typical feedlot, a cow's diet is roughly 62% roughage, 31% grain, 5% supplements (minerals and vitamins), and 2% premix. High-grain diets lower the pH in the animals' rumen. Due to the stressors of these conditions, and due to some illnesses, it may be necessary to give the animals antibiotics on occasion. [16]
Apples. The original source of sweetness for many of the early settlers in the United States, the sugar from an apple comes with a healthy dose of fiber.
The number of groups of animals to be part of a TMR diet depend on existing herd size, the layout of barn, and loafing areas. Typically a dairy barn will have high, medium and low production lactating cows, far off and close up dry cows, and pre-breeding and post-breeding heifers.