Advantages of Pasture-Raised Livestock

Grass meal, derived from the drying process of various plant materials such as corn stalks, bean stalks, wheat straw, rice straw, dried leaves, and safe grasses, has gained popularity among livestock farmers in recent years. Its usage is on the rise, and it has been recognized for its numerous benefits in animal husbandry. Farmers raising deer, rabbits, cattle, and sheep have reported that incorporating grass meal into their feeding practices can significantly mitigate losses due to pollution, discourage selective eating among animals, and enhance overall feed efficiency. This article explores the advantages of using grass meal for these four types of livestock, providing practical insights for farmers to achieve positive outcomes.

1. Feeding Deer with Grass Meal

Using fermented grass meal as a feed for deer has shown remarkable results. When slightly sour, fermented grass meal becomes highly palatable for deer, improving feed utilization and reducing overall rearing costs. The process involves mixing 100 kg of grass meal with an equal amount of hot water, stirring well, and allowing it to ferment for 2 to 3 hours. This can be done on a concrete surface or in a designated fermentation pond. Once fermented, the grass meal is combined with ingredients such as bone meal, soybean cake, corn flour, and salt, and allowed to ferment again for a few hours before feeding to the deer. This method not only keeps feeding areas cleaner but also minimizes waste.

2. Grass Meal for Rabbits

Incorporating grass meal into rabbit diets, typically at a ratio of 30% grass meal to 70% other feeds, presents several advantages:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Grass meal is simpler to process and less expensive than pellet feed.
• Ease of Feeding: A small addition of straw after each feeding helps maintain dental health.
• Storage Efficiency: The reduced size of grass meal makes it easier to store.
• Enhanced Palatability: Grass meal feed is softer and more appealing, stimulating rabbit appetites.
• Nutritional Stability: Using grass meal helps maintain a consistent diet throughout the year, minimizing adverse effects from feed changes.
• Improved Feed Efficiency: Grass meal reduces feed waste and prevents picky eating behaviors in rabbits.

However, to ensure optimal results when using grass meal for rabbits, farmers should adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Quality Assurance: Only use high-quality, non-moldy grass to produce the meal.
2. Appropriate Texture: The grass meal should not be too fine to avoid separation and maintain a pleasant texture.
3. Moisture Control: Avoid high moisture content in the feed to prevent digestive issues, ensuring the feed holds together without crumbling.

3. Cattle Feeding with Grass Meal

Feeding cattle with grass meal can enhance their diet, especially when combined with chopped straw and other grains. The processing of cattle feed should focus on maintaining a suitable particle size, ideally around 1 to 2 cm, and moistening it with warm water (30-40°C). The mixture should be allowed to ferment under cover until it reaches a temperature of 40-50°C, at which point it can be considered ready for feeding.

When preparing the feed, a common mixture involves 100 kg of the fermented material with 1 kg of salt, 0.5 kg of bone meal, and 30 kg of corn flour or bran. This blend can be used for various cattle, including dairy cows and buffaloes, ensuring a balanced diet.

4. Grass Meal for Sheep

Using grass meal for sheep can lead to rapid weight gain and improved milk production. To effectively prepare the feed:

1. Processing: Grass meal should be crushed into manageable lengths of 1 to 2 cm for mixing with other feed components.
2. Fermentation: Combine grass meal with leguminous plants at a ratio of 3:1, then moisten with warm water and allow it to ferment. The mixture should be stored in a sheltered area until it develops a pleasant aroma, indicating successful fermentation. Additional ingredients like salt and bone meal can be added before feeding.
3. Feeding Strategy: After weaning, lambs should be fed smaller, more frequent portions. However, it is essential to avoid feeding this material to unweaned lambs and to use the fermented feed within three months to prevent spoilage.

In conclusion, the integration of grass meal into the diets of deer, rabbits, cattle, and sheep can lead to enhanced feed efficiency, reduced waste, and improved animal health. By following the recommended practices for preparation and feeding, farmers can harness the full potential of this valuable feed resource.