Unlock Cattle Performance: Why Feeding Rumen Microbes Matters

Nutrition is a necessary expense that all cattle producers handle to keep their cattle in optimal condition. Forage can be the cheapest and most efficient way to feed cattle, but they must have well-functioning rumen microbes to utilize feedstuffs fully.

“Rumen microbes allow cattle to digest forage by fermenting it in the rumen to create volatile fatty acids, which are then converted into energy,” says Ted Perry, cattle nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition.

Additionally, rumen microbes are an excellent protein source, containing more than 50% protein. As rumen microbes multiply inside the rumen, they increase fermentation and digest more forage, which creates additional available protein and energy.

Forage alone typically can’t sustain cattle and feed rumen microbes, so producers need to provide some supplementation, the company says.

Performance Matters

Maintaining the rumen microbes with a balanced diet helps keep cows in good body condition.

“Body condition drives reproduction because if cows don’t have the proper body condition, they often won’t cycle, settle or breed,” says Perry. “When cows stay in optimal body condition, they can remain healthier and productive for longer.”

If the microbes aren’t properly fed, they can’t do their job of fermenting feed, which may result in lower forage intake and potentially impact cow performance.

“You can supplement cows without forage or with very limited forage, but it’s often a costly way to maintain them and this feeding strategy should only be utilized in drought situations with low forage availability,” says Perry.