Various Feeds for the Cow Forage consists of the whole plant. Alfalfa hay and corn silage are examples. These feeds are high in fiber, bulky, and your cow needs them for rumen digestion. Dairy farmers usually feed forage at about 2 percent of a cow's body weight, the 2 percent level figured at 100 percent dry matter. See page 25 for details on figuring feeds to 100 percent dry matter.
Grain is the seed portion of the plants.
Shelled corn and oats are examples. Grains are high in feed nutrients, low in fiber, and a good source of phos- phorus. As production increases, grain is needed to meet nutrient needs. Examples are soybean and linseed meal. At high levels of milk production, cows need much protein in their ration.