Some peasant families, out of a genuine love for their livestock, tend to overfeed their cattle and sheep with corn, beans, and other concentrated feeds. However, this practice often backfires, leading to poor results and even health issues in the animals. Why?
First, cattle and sheep are herbivores, and their dental structure is adapted for grinding fibrous plant material. Their incisors and canines are not well-developed, but their molars have deep grooves that help grind tough grasses. Feeding them too much concentrate goes against their natural feeding habits and can harm their digestive system.
Second, as ruminants, they have a complex four-chamber stomach, with the rumen housing a large population of microorganisms that break down fibrous feed. Concentrate-heavy diets, especially pasty feeds, disrupt this microbial balance and impair digestion.
Third, these animals naturally regurgitate and chew their food again—a process called rumination. Overfeeding can prevent this cycle, leading to digestive discomfort and reduced nutrient absorption.
Fourth, the rumen is a large organ designed to hold and ferment roughage. When fed too much concentrate, the animals may feel hungry more quickly, which is not ideal for their overall health.
In summary, except for dairy cows and goats that may benefit from a higher concentration of feed, most cattle and sheep should be primarily fed with roughage. A balanced diet with moderate amounts of concentrates is the best approach to ensure their long-term health and productivity.
Infrared PEMF Mat
Guangzhou Fuerle Health Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.fuerlegroup.com