Question

How does high NDF diet impact cows?

Answer 1

NDF (Neutral detergent fiber) is the measure of the fiber used for the animal feed analysis. It measure lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses.

It is very important for Cow as when NDF digestibility increase the total digestible nutrient also increases. TDN comprises the digestible fiber, protein, lipid, and carbohydrate components of a diet. This increase dietary energy content and potential milk yield of a cow.

High NDF is more economical approach also, because High NDF digestibility forages provide greater energy density and allow cows to consume more NDF from forages.

Cows need sufficient NDF in diets to optimize rumen function and milk yield. NDF level and digestibility directly affect feed intake, milk production, chewing activity and rumen pH of cow, thus high NDF diet provide all the above listed benefits.