During high temperatures, the metabolism of cows changes, which translates into difficult uptake and use of nutrients. An increase in ambient temperature simultaneously causes an increase in the animal's body temperature, which ultimately results in an increase in the temperature of the rumen contents. As a result of the increase in rumen temperature, the rumen microflora, which does not tolerate too high a temperature, dies. An increase in rumen temperature by every half a degree results in 10-15% death. rumen flora, which significantly impairs the digestion process.
When to feed cattle in summer? And how often?
In summer, during the day, when the air temperature reaches peak values, cows come to the feed table less often and spend more time lying down. As a result, TMR lying on the feed table, especially if it is exposed to sunlight, heats up and deteriorates faster. Therefore, a good practice during hot weather is to increase the frequency of grazing during the day, so that animals have constant access to fresh feed. If this is not possible, it is worth at least increasing the feed supply in the evening, e.g. after evening milking. At night, when the air temperature is lower, cows are more willing to eat fodder, which does not heat up as much as during the day. If there are major problems with overheating of the feed, it is worth considering the use of TMR stabilizing additives, the composition of which is usually based on acids. The market offer of TMR thermal stabilizers is becoming more and more extensive, and the costs incurred for the purchase of these preparations will certainly be lower than the potential feed losses resulting from the TMR becoming heated and moldy.
