Changzhou Ziying Metal Products Co., Ltd , https://www.ziyingmetal.com
Thin cow's fattening tips
To successfully fatten lean cows, it's essential to start with the right selection. Not every thin cow is suitable for fattening. Only those that have become lean due to poor management or excessive workload can be quickly put back in good condition with proper feeding and care. When choosing lean cows, be cautious—avoid buying those that are too old, extremely weak, or suffering from chronic digestive issues or infectious diseases.
Before introducing the cows into the fattening system, a comprehensive health check is crucial. Vaccinate them against foot-and-mouth disease, brucellosis, and clostridium perfringens. It's also important to deworm them before starting the fattening process. A common method is to administer 4 capsules per 100 kg of body weight. Additionally, newly purchased cattle may experience stress from transportation, unfamiliar environments, or loud noises. To ease this transition, add 0.5% salt and 1% brown sugar to their drinking water for about a week. Start by feeding high-quality hay and green fodder, then gradually introduce small amounts of bran and other concentrates as the animals adjust.
The fattening period should generally last between 50 to 60 days and can be divided into three stages. The first stage (6–8 days) focuses on getting the cows used to eating mixed feed. This involves fasting them for 1–2 days and then mixing a small amount of compound feed with ammoniated straw. After 2–3 days of adjustment, they should begin eating from the trough. The second stage (10–12 days) is about restoring their body condition. Gradually increase the amount of compound feed given daily, up to around 700–750 grams per cow, along with 100–120 grams of urea (if not using ammoniated straw). Allow free access to forage during this time. The third and most critical stage (35–40 days) is when rapid weight gain occurs. Increase the compound feed to 1,000 grams per day and urea to 150 grams. Again, provide free-choice forage. If possible, offer nightgrass at around 11 PM each night to further boost the fattening effect.
Throughout the entire process, careful management is key. Keep the environment warm, quiet, and comfortable. Use short ropes to restrict movement and reduce energy expenditure. Brush the cows daily in the morning to improve circulation and stimulate appetite. Regularly monitor their behavior, eating habits, and waste to detect any signs of illness early. In the final weeks, keep track of their growth through regular weigh-ins and body measurements. Look for signs such as visible bones, a noticeable back groove, rounded hips, and fat deposits in the scrotum or udder. When these indicators appear and market conditions are favorable, it’s time to send the cattle for slaughter to maximize profit.