A METHOD OF FEEDING RUMINANTS AND AN ENCLOSURE FOR HOUSING RUMINANTS FED ACCORDING TO THE METHOD

摘要

Ruminants with a fully developed rumen function are fed by a method in which the total feed is divided into two parts comprising (a) a liquid feed containing high-energy components, which feed is supplied while stimulating the ruminant to close its oesophageal groove, and (b) a solid feed containing low-energy components, which feed is supplied in such a way that the ruminant does not close its oesophageal groove, both types of feed being independently available through separate dispensing systems. One or more of the components of the liquid feed may be partially or completely hydrolyzed. A liquid feed dispensing device (an embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 1) comprises a container, metering means and outlet means for liquid feed; the outlet means (such as a teat) are located in an enclosure for ruminants at a level substantially above the level of the shoulders of the ruminants housed in the enclosure.