I usually will go to a conference with the outlook that if I can come away from the conference with one good idea, then the trip has been worth the effort. This year, I think the take away for the farm was my ability to turn mediocre feed into satisfying feed. We rent our hay fields from an Amish farmer down the road and not all the fields are of the same quality. When we feed out the winter feed, there are times when you can tell that you are in certain fields by the way the cows consume the feed. This certain batch you really have to work the ring to get them to eat it. I was conversing with another consultant that was working the trade booth I was doing at the conference and I was telling him of my situation. He was saying when he baled up his feed, he has a sprayer on his round baler that will actually be able to spray a mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and Molasses onto the bale when baling it in the field which helps with the digestion of the feed when the cows consume it. The Apple Cider Vinegar actually will encourage the rumen bacteria to break down the cellulose in the feed and help the animal to convert it to a food source. The addition of the molasses give the cows added energy for a healthier being. Seeing as the feed is already in the round bales then the next best thing to do would be to pour a mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and Molasses onto the bales when you feed it out. I can tell when the feed is of lower quality when the cows will come into the barn to eat the hay bedding we are putting down for them to lay on instead of the round bales I am putting into the feed rings. I was able to source organic molasses and apple cider vinegar in large containers and have been mixing 50/50 ACV and water along with 10ml of molasses per 2 gallon container and then pouring that onto the bales when I am feeding them on the ring.
Today, they never left the ring to come inside the barn when I was bedding them down. I felt good that they are now eating feed that is satisfying to them as well as supplying them for additional weight gain with the added energy that they need to stay healthy through the winter months. Getting out and mingling with other like minded folks is not only good for the soul but helps feed the cows and keep them happy at the same time.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!