Why can dairy cows eat grass and I can’t?--April 9th exhibitor

Presenters:
Dr. Ben Corl, Assistant Professor, Dairy Science
Ms. Jamie Jarrett, Graduate Student, Dairy Science
Ms. Cathy Parsons, Laboratory Specialist, Dairy Science
Mr. Dave Winston, Extension Dairy Scientist, Youth

Representing:
Virginia Tech Department of Dairy Science

Abstract:
The dairy cow is an amazing creature. She produces fresh, wholesome milk that is made into many different dairy products. She is a ruminant, meaning that she has a four-compartment stomach. Her four stomach compartments allow her to eat feeds that humans cannot eat like grass and hay. She is also able to make milk from by-product feeds, materials leftover after making other products. For example, whole cottonseeds are left over after removing cotton to make cloth. Whole cottonseed is a great feed for the cow because it is high in fiber, energy, and protein. Bakery waste (bread, pastries, donuts), citrus pulp (orange juice), corn hominy feed (flour) are a few examples of other by-product feeds that cows like to eat. Participants will have the opportunity to identify and handle many of the feeds that the dairy cow eats. They will also be able to learn more about the cow’s rumen by interacting with a cow with a “window” in her side.