Best 10 High Protein Grass For Cows
Are You Looking for Best 10 High Protein Grass For Cows ? High-protein grass is among the top priorities for farmers because it enhances their cow’s milk production.
High-protein grass is among the top priorities for farmers because it enhances their cow’s milk production.
Milk production triples when cows are fed on high-protein grass. Cows are ruminant animals, which have four stomachs to digest food.
Cows are native to America, Europe, and Africa, but now they can be found in almost every country in the world because of cross-breeding.
Cows are used for milk, meat, and draught animals (for pulling carts). The average cow produces 4-7 gallons of milk a day, depending on its size and breed.
Cow’s milk is used to make butter, ghee, cream cheese, curd, kefir, and cheese.
Best 10 high protein grass for cows
Cow’s milk is also used to make other dairy products consumed for their numerous health benefits.
Milk is composed of 80% water and 20% solids. The solids include proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, fats, and vitamins.
Milk contains Vitamins A, D, and B-complex, along with calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
It is free of cholesterol. Besides the nutritional benefits, milk has medicinal properties too.
Cows are fed on high-protein grass because it makes them healthier and produces more milk than other feeds.
High protein grass stimulates the cow’s metabolism rate to improve its digestion system leading to increased milk production.
1. Red clover – 12% protein
Red clover is the best protein-rich grass for cows. It has an extensive spreading root system, which absorbs water and minerals from deep in the ground. Red clover grows in cold climates and thrives in areas where winters are mild.
2. Alfalfa – 16% protein
Alfalfa is also called lucerne and is one of the best high-protein grasses for cows. It has a deep root system, which provides more food to cows during summer when other crops are dry.
3. Garden grass – 14% protein
Garden grass is suitable for cows as it contains 25 to 40% protein and has a high energy value. It can be grown on home lawns too. However, this type of grass does not give instant results because it needs months to grow fully.
4. Timothy Grass – 13% protein
Timothy Grass is a perennial plant, which has nodes and roots. Each node has three stiff stalks. This type of grass multiplies during summer and remains green throughout the year. It can be grown in both acidic and alkaline soils.
5. Meadow fescue – 14% protein
Meadow Fescue is a nutritious grass that is recommended for cows during summer. It can thrive in different soils, hills, and sub-hills but not grow well in cold climates.
6. Orchard Grass – 15% protein
Orchardgrass is also known as Dactylis glomerata (a bunch-forming perennial C 3 grass). It is grown for hay or pasture. It can tolerate hot climates and poor soils.
7. Bermuda grass – 13% protein
Bermuda Grass has a shallow root system, which needs regular watering to grow well. In the case of dry seasons, it can be rinsed with tap water and greywater from the household.
8. Sudan grass – 14% protein
Sudan Grass has a high nutritional value and is also very palatable for cows. It can survive in dry conditions but needs irrigation when the climate is extremely hot or cold.
9. Orchard Grass – 15% protein
Orchardgrass thrives in temperate climates and is adapted to different types of soils. It is commonly found in the central and eastern United States. Orchard Grass grows best during summers and autumns.
10. Timothy grass – 13% protein
Timothy Grass contains 25 to 40 percent protein and has a good energy value, making it one of the top high-protein grasses for cows. It can thrive in acidic and alkaline soils but does not grow well in cold climates.
Grasses are the dominant plant found in pastures. Grasses are seen everywhere except in deserts because they can survive without water for a long time due to their underground roots. There are around 12000 species of grasses.
Grasses are categorized into cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses. Cool-season grasses are usually green during winters but dry later in early summer. Warm seasons, on the other hand, remain green throughout the year.
They only get dormant when it is extremely cold or hot outside. The growth of these types of grasses depends on the seasons and climate. Best 10 high protein grass for cows
Conclusion
The grazing of cows on high-protein grass is the best way to cleanse their body. For a healthy digestive system, cows should be given high protein grasses like red clover and alfalfa during summer and orchard grass in winter.
It is essential to give enough water and nutritious feed to cows for them to remain healthy. Thank you for reading this article on the best 10 high protein grass for cows.
