May 10, 2004

Grain vs. grass--How they feed the cows

Recently, one of our readers posted a question after reading one of my blogs regarding our organic beef. The question was: "Are our beef and dairy animals all grass-fed or do we also feed them grain?"

Here at Howmars Farm, all our animals receive some grain on a daily basis. We introduce grain, in small amounts, to calves when they are a couple weeks old. By the time the calves are weaned they are eating a few pounds a day. From the age of about four months until calving (for females) or slaughter (for steers) the animals receive 5-6 pounds of grain per day. Once the heifers calve and begin milking we increase their grain intake gradually to 16-18 pounds per day. During the cow's dry period they do not get any grain.

Why the debate over feeding or not feeding grain to dairy and beef animals?

Mainly its the nutrional difference of dairy products and beef produced with or without a diet including grain. For instance, studies have shown that dairy and beef products produced without grain have a much higher level of CLA's (conjugated linoleic acid) than those products produced using grain in the diet. There is an excellent website, www.eatwild.com, that has information regarding how good meat and dairy from grass-based animals is for us.

Why do we feed grain here on our farm? We feel because of the genetics of our registered Jeseys they would not do well without grain in their diet. Our cows are high producers and we feel their health and production would suffer without grain. The other reason is that there is no premium that we could receive for producing milk without grain. To make changes in our genetic program or our feed program would result in lower production from our cows. Like any business, if our production is going to be lower we would hope our price paid per unit for our product would go up to maintain our income level.

Thanks for the question--and send more using the comment feature below!

--Jonathan, Howmars Farm
Franklin, Vermont

Posted by Blogger Chris at May 10, 2004 11:25 AM
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