Cows were originally domesticated with dietary plans consisting of strictly forage. No feed supplements or additives were added. This was mostly because of the limited demand for livestock products and so production was quite low. However as time progressed, so did the demand for milk and meat hence the use of improved dietary plans. While these improved diets were originally easy to maintain, the rapid price increase of livestock feed make it difficult to sustain well-balanced diets. For this reason, farmers are considering use of readily available feed alternatives that can be used to supplement lacking nutrients. Among these alternatives is pear as it has been proven to be highly nutritious. It has since been revealed that cows can eat pear without experiencing negative effects on health and production.
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Nutritional Value
Cows can eat pear but it is of the essence for farmers to be aware of its nutritional value versus that of livestock diet requirements. This is done to make sure that lacking nutrients are supplemented properly. Pear consists of carbohydrates, fibre, some protein and vitamins C and K as well as minerals such as copper and potassium. Cows can feed on pear to absorb these nutrients. Furthermore, pear contains polyphenol antioxidant compounds which are responsible for preventing inflammatory diseases and the occurrence of oxidation. Providing cows with diets lacking in these nutrients gradually leads to declined production levels. As a matter of fact, research studies point out that giving cows diets with imbalanced nutritional rations results in impaired growth and low milk yields. An important point to note is that pear is lacking in some essential nutrients and minerals. It contains a significantly low amount of calcium, sodium and vitamin B-6 among others. Additionally, pears have a high moisture content and so should be provided in limited amounts.
Pear Supplements for Performance Enhancement
Cows can eat pear due to its numerous benefits to the growth and development of livestock. Cows provided with pear tend to mature timely and reach the desired slaughter weight faster in comparison to those on a strictly solely forage diet. Pear contains sufficient fibre necessary for optimum fermentation of the rumen. It is a source of trace elements that are needed for various bodily functions including blood synthesis, hormone structure, normal reproduction, vitamin synthesis, enzyme formation, and immune system integrity. While cows can feed on pear due to its superior nutritional value, great care should be taken to ensure that cows do not binge on the fruit. Experts reveal that pears are very palatable to cows and given the opportunity, they may fill up on the fruit. Ideally ruminants should eat approximately 2.5 to 3.5% of their body weight daily, provided the feed is in the dry matter. This is not possible with high moisture diets as the rumen would not hold enough food to meet the nutritional needs of livestock. Resultantly, cows are most likely to suffer from malnutrition which in turn affects production and the generation of profits. That being said, it is therefore very important for farmers to make sure that proper rations are maintained including provision of appropriate feed supplements rich in lacking nutrients. Cows should be gradually introduced to pears by feeding about 2 to 3 pounds daily. Dried pears can however be provided at up to about 4.5 pounds daily.
Pear Supplements for Health Sustenance
Cows can feed on pear for health sustenance purposes. As mentioned earlier, the fruit is highly nutritious and so constitutes a significant amount of human diets. Fortunately these benefits can be transferred to livestock through consumption. With the recent ban or restrictions placed on antibiotics usage in farms, pear supplements are highly valuable when used correctly. Pear contains essential vitamins which play an important role maintaining the health of livestock. Vitamins are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the immune system thereby giving cows some form of resistance from rampant diseases and infections. Moreover, cows can eat pear as a means of acquiring polyphenols that are needed for the control of oxidative stress. The flavonoids found in pear also help in preventing inflammatory diseases that can potentially affect the quantity as well as the quantity of the produce. Since cows can feed on pear for health sustenance purposes, milk production is also enhanced. This is because healthy livestock are more productive in comparison to ill cows.
What Animals Can Eat Pears?
A variety of research studies have established that cows can eat pear without negatively impacting on growth, maintenance, reproduction and production. As such, it is only natural for farmers to wonder if pear can be provided to other animal species. There are a variety other domestic animals that can eat pear. As a matter of fact, ruminants often have similar dietary plans with slight variations in rations. This means that goats and sheep can also feed on pears. Horses and other small animals such as jack rabbits and some birds can eat pear as well. It is important for farmers to be aware that the diet rations given to cows is different from other animals. Goats and sheep should be given limited rations while horses can handle slightly higher amounts. Also, farmers should make sure to distance cows from areas with high moisture feed. This is done to control excess feeding which negatively impacts on their overall performance.
What Fruits and Vegetable Can Cows Eat?
Cows can eat pear and some other fruits and vegetables. As matter of fact, fruit and vegetable pomace left from industrial processing can be used as livestock feed. Cows can eat vegetables inclusive of carrots, cabbage leaves, celery, cauliflower leaves, watermelons and molasses. Fruits suitable for cow dietary plans include apples, bananas, and citrus. Note that their nutritional value differs; as such, farmers should possess adequate knowledge on their nutritional composition. This is recommended to allow for the provision of relevant supplements and additives when necessary. Also, although cows can eat pear and a range of other fruits and vegetables, studies reveal that the rumen is best suited for forage diets and so these items should be gradually introduced to livestock.