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The simple answer is that they are herbivores. They are able to break down the fibre, cellulose and lignin found in the plants so that nutrients can be extracted. This is done by the process of fermentation and the action of digestion from the enzymes and bacteria found in their stomachs. As the end of grazing season approaches, the grass turns brown and looses 90% of its nutrient value from the time it was green and still growing. This doesn't add much value to cattle when they are needing the nutrition. Hay, on the other hand, are grass and/or legumes cut mid-bloom when they are at the most nutritious stage of life for grazing animals. Hay does lose some nutrients and greenness as it cures over time, but it is still much better in quality then the brown, dead grass. Essentially, the hay tastes like ice cream and the brown grass tastes like green beans to a bovine. Turn a kid loose in a room with a bowl of ice cream and a plate of beans they will eat the ice cream first.
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∙ 13y ago
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Why do cows eat hay?
Because they like it.
Do cows eat hay?
Because they like it.
Do cows like long grass?
they like long dead brown colour grass like hay
What is slough hay?
its a type of hay that is good for cows and bulls
Why do cows eat milk?
Cows do not eat (nor drink) milk. They drink water and eat forages like grass, hay, silage and grains.
Do cows chew spit?
No. They chew partly digested forage (like grass, hay and silage), not "spit."
What do people feed as food to cows?
Hay.
Do cows eat everything?
No. Cows are herbivores, meaning that they are strictly plant-eating animals, not omnivores nor carnivores. Cows eat grass, hay and silage and should eat just grass, hay and silage.
Can cows eat hay?
Yes. Hay is THE main staple of any cow's diet when not on pasture.
Is hay a good feed for Dairy Cows?
yes
Will cows eat hay specific for alpacas?
Yes.
Why are cows both a producer and consumer?
Cows produce milk and they consume grass (or hay) and grains.
