Providing your cows with a variety of foods helps to improve their overall health and performance. Below we look at whether you can feed your cows with cabbages and what the potential effects might be.
Contents
What Is A Cabbage?
A cabbage is a vegetable that belongs to the Brassica family and it can be found in different varieties. The most common varieties are the green cabbage, the purple cabbage and the white variety. Cabbages have a high moisture content of about 92% and they contain other vitamins like vitamin B6, C and K. They also contain other minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium.
Can Cows Eat Cabbage
Yes cows can eat cabbage, this is because they can be digested by the rumen and they also contain a number of vitamins and nutrients that can boost a cow’s health. When giving cabbages to cows make sure that they are 100% organic and free from pests. Also ensure that the cabbages are cut into small pieces so that your cows can easily enjoy the cabbages without having to choke on them.
Things To Avoid When Feeding Cows With Cabbage
When feeding your cows with cabbages you need to ensure that there are no pests or contaminations on the leaves as these may cause sickness to your cow. In most cases you will have to wash the cabbages first before giving them to your cows. The second and most important thing you need to avoid is replacing your cows feed with cabbages. This is because, although cabbages are rich they cannot meet the dietary or energy requirements of a cow. Therefore, you can only add cabbages as a snack or supplementary feed for your cows. The last thing you need to avoid is giving your cow excessive amounts of cabbages. This is because cabbage contains a high water content and when consumed in excess by a cow it may cause diarrhea or digestion problems.
Nutrition And Health Benefits Of Cabbages To Cows
Aids With Digestion
One of the most popular health benefits of cabbages to cows is that they aid with digestion. Cabbages contain fiber which can easily be digested by the cow thus, minimizing constipation. Furthermore, cabbages also contain vitamin B6 which helps with metabolism. So if you are looking for a vegetable that will improve your cow’s digestion then cabbages are worth considering.
Contain Vitamin C
Another health benefit of consuming cabbages is that they are filled with vitamin C which is an essential vitamin needed by a cow. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system such that it can be able to resist and fight certain diseases. Cows that usually consume vegetables that have a high vitamin C content usually recover faster from certain illnesses.
Helps To Improve Eyesight Of Cows
Cabbages contain vitamin A which is known to improve the eyesight of cows. Therefore, if your cow is showing signs of poor eyesight you need to consider adding cabbages to its diet since they are rich in vitamin A.
Rich In Protein
Cabbages contain about 1.3% protein which helps in the development or growth of a cow. The protein found in cabbage also helps the cow’s body to repair and restore damaged cells.
Contain Potassium
Another health benefit of cabbage to cows is that it contains potassium which is an essential mineral that helps to lower blood pressure in cows. Potassium also helps to protect cows from diseases like arthritis and kidney stones.
Rich In Calcium
Cabbages contain calcium that helps to build strong bones in cows. Furthermore, the calcium found in cabbage helps to ensure that the muscles, nerves and heart of a cow perform very well without experiencing any complications.
Can You Feed Cows Cabbage?
Yes you can feed cows cabbage. This is because it can be digested by their rumen and also it contains a number of vitamins and nutrients that are essential to a cow’s health. When feeding cow’s cabbages make sure that you wash the cabbages first and then cut them into small pieces that can be chewed easily by the cows.
What Vegetables Can A Cow Eat?
Cabbages are not the only vegetable that cows can eat. Here is a list of other vegetables that you can introduce to your cows diet.
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Cucumbers
- Kale
- Cauliflower
Can Cows And Goats Eat Cabbage?
Both cows and goats can eat cabbages however, goats tend to get a bit bloated after eating cabbages. Therefore, it’s important that you limit the amount of cabbage leaves that your goat takes.
Can Cows Eat Alfalfa?
Yes cows can eat alfalfa however, there is need to offer cows a moderate amount of alfalfa. This is because research shows that alfalfa can cause bloating in cows. Therefore, in order to avoid this one has to find other sources of livestock feed and offer alfalfa as a snack when needed.
Can Cows Eat Raw Vegetables?
Cows can eat raw vegetables like cabbages, kale, cauliflower, broccoli etc. These vegetables can be digested by the rumen and they provide lots of vitamins and minerals to the cows. Although, a cow can feed on raw vegetables, it does not mean that you can replace the animal feed with raw vegetables. This is because the vitamins and minerals found in the vegetables are not enough to meet the dietary or energy requirements of cows. Therefore, only offer raw vegetables as snacks or treats to cows.
Do Cows Eat Cucumber?
Yes cows eat cucumbers this is because they can be digested by the rumen. Furthermore, cucumbers help to keep a cow hydrated because of their high water content. When feeding cucumbers to cows, make sure you cut them into pies so that the cow can easily chew them. Cucumbers are also rich in fiber which aids with digestion in cows.
Conclusion
Cows can eat cabbages however, it’s important that you give moderate amounts of cabbage leaves to cows. This is because cabbages contain a lot of water and when consumed in excess by cows, they can cause diarrhea or digestive problems.
