(1) Safe Feeding Practices for Green Forage
1. Moderate Feeding. The amount of green forage given to livestock and poultry depends on the species, production level, physiological stage, and environmental conditions. Ruminants like cattle and sheep can consume a higher proportion of green forage and may even rely on it as their main feed source. However, omnivorous animals such as pigs and chickens should only use green forage as a supplement. For pigs, green forage typically makes up about 30% of the diet, but this amount should be reduced for piglets and finishing pigs. Sows that are empty or in the second trimester can have their intake increased, with green forage making up to 50% of their diet. For chickens, green forage is mainly used to provide additional vitamins, and it usually constitutes 15-20% of the diet for younger birds, increasing to 20-30% for adults. While ruminants can tolerate more green forage, there are still limits. For example, dairy cows may receive 30-50 kg per day, while adult beef cattle might get 15-20 kg, and adult sheep around 5-8 kg. In summer, the feeding amount can be adjusted based on temperature—increasing slightly when it's hotter and reducing when it cools down.
2. Fresh Feeding. During hot weather, it’s best to feed green forage fresh according to the needs of the animals. If stored in piles, green forage can heat up and ferment under high temperatures, causing a loss of vitamins and proteins, which reduces its nutritional value. Additionally, some non-protein nitrogen compounds, such as nitrates found in stems and leaves, can be converted into nitrites by bacteria. If animals consume forage containing nitrites, they may suffer from diarrhea if fed in small amounts, or even nitrite poisoning, which can be fatal in larger quantities.
3. Appropriate Timing for Feeding. The timing of harvesting green forage is crucial. Harvesting too early may result in low yield and insufficient nutrients. Therefore, the timing should be carefully considered based on grass yield, nutrient content, and feeding safety to ensure optimal results.
4. Preventing Poisoning. To avoid pesticide poisoning, it’s important to avoid using green forage from areas where pesticides have been recently applied. If necessary, use low-toxicity, high-efficiency pesticides and strictly follow the recommended waiting periods before harvesting. Some green forages may contain toxic substances or can become toxic under certain conditions. For example, hibiscus contains coumarin, and when cattle eat moldy hibiscus, they may suffer from dicoumarol poisoning. To prevent this, feed fresh forage, introduce it gradually, and avoid feeding moldy material.
(2) Efficient Use of Green Forage
1. Choosing the Right Type of Green Forage. Ruminants such as cattle and sheep benefit from green forage with higher crude fiber content, such as ryegrass, fescue, sudangrass, and other grasses. Pigs, rabbits, and geese can also benefit from green forage, but with lower crude fiber content, such as European chicory or amaranth. Chickens and ducks require green forage that is less fibrous and harvested at an early stage to maintain freshness and quality.
2. Scientific Mixing. Different types of green forage contain varying levels of nutrients. Legumes tend to have higher protein content, while grasses are richer in fiber. Combining these can improve overall nutrient balance. Also, mixing green forage with roughage helps enhance palatability and prevents issues like reduced appetite in ruminants. Finally, formulate a balanced diet by considering the specific needs of each animal, combining concentrates, roughage, and green forage to maximize growth and productivity.
3. Processing and Feeding Methods. For cattle and sheep, green forage can be crushed to improve digestibility. One method involves layering straw and green feed, then pressing them together to extract juice. This technique helps retain moisture and nutrients. For pigs and geese, beating the green forage before mixing it with dry feed or roughage can make it more palatable and easier to digest. These methods ensure that the forage is both nutritious and suitable for different types of livestock.
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