Why is it advisable to feed silage as a winter supplement for dairy cows?

Quality assessment: High-quality silage is greenish or yellowish-green in color. If the silage is found to have turned black or brown, it indicates that the silage has deteriorated and become moldy, and all of the spoiled silage must be removed before feeding it to dairy cows. High-quality silage has a sweet-and-sour smell, with a strong wine aroma or sour pear scent. If the smell is sour and putrid, it indicates that the silage has become moldy, and the cause must be identified and corresponding remedial measures taken before it can be fed to dairy cows. High-quality silage feels soft and moist when rubbed in the hand. If it feels sticky in the hand or is dry, coarse and hard, it indicates that the silage has become moldy and must be treated before it can be fed to dairy cows.

Feeding amount: For lactating cows weighing 500 kg and producing more than 25 kg of milk per day, about 25 kg of silage and 5 kg of hay can be fed per day. For lactating cows producing more than 30 kg of milk per day, about 30 kg of silage and 8 kg of hay can be fed. For lactating cows weighing 350-400 kg and producing 20 kg of milk per day, 20 kg of silage and 5-8 kg of hay can be fed. For lactating cows weighing 350 kg and producing 15-20 kg of milk per day, 15-20 kg of silage and 8-10 kg of hay can be fed. For lactating cows producing less than 15 kg of milk per day, about 15 kg of silage and 10-12 kg of hay can be fed. Feeding of silage should be stopped 15 days before calving and within 15 days after calving. For dry-period cows, 10-15 kg of silage should be fed per day, with an appropriate amount of other hay supplemented. For growing heifers, it is best to keep the amount within 5-10 kg.

Feeding method: At the beginning, feed a smaller amount, then gradually increase to the full amount so that the dairy cows have time to adapt. Never feed the full amount all at once, as this will cause too much silage in the rumen of the dairy cow and excessive acidity, which will instead affect the cow's normal feed intake and milk production performance. Baking soda should be added to the dairy cows in a timely manner. When silage is fed, the pH in the rumen of the dairy cow decreases, which can easily cause acidosis. 13‰ baking soda can be added to the concentrate to promote gastric motility, neutralize acidic substances in the rumen, raise the pH, increase feed intake, improve digestibility, and increase milk production. Each time silage is fed, it should be mixed evenly with hay before being fed to the dairy cows to avoid the cows being picky eaters. In rural areas, many dairy cow households use a twice-daily feeding method, which is extremely unscientific. First, it increases the burden on the rumen of the dairy cow and affects the number and duration of normal rumination. It reduces the feed conversion rate, and over time it can easily cause diseases of the forestomach in dairy cows. Second, it affects the digestibility of the dairy cows, causing a decline in milk production and milk fat percentage. Frozen silage must not be fed to dairy cows. It must be thawed before feeding; otherwise, it can easily cause miscarriage in pregnant cows.

Removal method: It is recommended to take it once in the morning and once in the afternoon each day. The thickness taken each time should be no less than 10 cm to ensure the fresh quality of the silage, good palatability, and minimal nutrient loss, achieving the best effect of silage feeding. The silage taken out must not be exposed to sunlight, nor should it be piled or scattered loosely. It is best to put it in bags and place it in a cool place in the cowshed. After each removal of silage, tread it down again once, then cover it tightly with plastic sheeting.

Precautions: During the feeding process, if dairy cows are found to have diarrhea, the amount should be reduced immediately or feeding should be stopped, and it should be checked whether moldy materials have been mixed into the silage or whether the diarrhea is caused by other diseases. Feeding can continue only after the dairy cows return to normal. The feed trough should be cleaned promptly every day, especially the dead corners, and the spoiled silage should be cleaned out completely before fresh silage is added. After feeding silage, the amount of concentrate fed should be reduced as appropriate according to the body condition and other production performance of the dairy cows, but it should not be reduced too much or too abruptly. Silage pits should be strictly protected against rodents to avoid transmitting some diseases to livestock.