How to Feed Dairy Cows Oats or Corn

That thick white liquid given from a mother cow to a baby has become a staple of American diets. To produce the most nutritious milk possible, the cow must eat a varied diet. High quality oats or corn are not only a delicious addition to dairy cows' diets, but these grains increase the nutritional value of the cows' milk.

Things You'll Need

  • Rolled oats
  • Shelled corn
  • Dairy cow protein mixture
  • High quality hay
  • Cow salt pellets
  • Cow mineral and vitamin mixture
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the weight of each cow. Add all weights together to achieve the combined weight of the herd. Between 2.0 and 2.5 percent of this amount is the weight of the necessary total amount of feed that you'll need to feed your herd.

    • 2

      Add protein cubes to the oats or corn, according to the manufacturer's instructions, to provide a well-rounded diet for the cows.

    • 3

      Add a small amount of salt and a mineral and vitamin mixture to the feed every day, according to the manufacturer's directions.

    • 4

      Pour the corn or oats, combined with the protein, salt and mineral and vitamin mix, into large feeding trowels or buckets.

    • 5

      Keep hay feeders full of high quality hay to offset the heaviness of the grains in the cows' diet.

    • 6

      Ensure the cows have constant access to clean water, as it helps soften the grains once they are in the cows' stomachs.