How much food does a cow eat?
Quick Answer
When given high-quality feed, cows generally consume from 2.2 to 2.5 percent of their body weight per day or around 11 to 12.5 pounds of food per day for a 500-pound cow. Feed quality, percentage of body fat, frame size and whether or not a cow is lactating can affect the amount of food a cow takes in.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
For example, if being fed low-quality feed, cows will consume considerably less food —just 1.8 percent to 2 percent of their body weight. When given average-quality feed, that percentage goes up slightly to 2 percent to 2.2 percent of body weight.
The weather can also affect food intake. Cows may eat up to 30 percent more in cold temperatures or very hot or humid conditions. In snowy or muddy conditions, the intake of food may fall off by as much as 15 percent.
Learn more about Barnyard MammalsRelated Questions
-
Q:
How much manure does a cow produce daily?
A: A cow can produce as much as 120 pounds of wet manure in a single day, depending on the size and breed of the animal. Cow manure is a combination of beddin... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the life cycle of a cow?
A: A few hours after a cow is born, cows are usually removed from their mother, but they stay in their group until they reach the age of five. After the newbo... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is a female cow called?
A: Although cattle are often collectively referred to as cows, the word cow specifically refers to females of the cattle species that have given birth to at l... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is a cattle cube feeder?
A: A cattle cube feeder is a motorized piece of farming equipment that releases cubes of feed for cows, generally at set intervals. Owners can often mount the... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
What are the food stamp payment dates in Pennsylvania?
-
Q:
What is MSG in food?
-
Q:
What is a food that does not spoil?
-
Q:
What do you need to know before buying livestock?
-
Q:
How do you find a listing of the nutritional value of food?
-
Q:
What are some good food options for a bridal shower lunch menu?
