As we keep animals, we should understand what can be given to them as a treat. The main diet of cows is grass and hay.
However, grass and hay should make the major percentage of the cows’ diet. Other foods should be given in small percentages.
Vegetables and fruits can be offered to cows as treat but the amount given should be moderated as too much of it may harm the cows.
The question is, which vegetables or fruits can be served to cows as a treat? Which ones are safe for the cows?
So, can cows eat apples? Of course, yes. Cows can eat apples. Just like other fruits, cows like apples very much and love to eat them.
However, there is a myth regarding cows eating apples. The myth is that cows that eat apples can have a bloated stomach and die.
This is not true at all. Bloat only occurs if the cows eat a lot of apples at once and it being its first time to eat apples.
So, as apples should not make the major percentage of the cows’ diet, then they should be served to them in small amounts as it is only served to them as a treat.
Do Cows Like Eating Apples?
Yes, cows like eating apples. Just the same way they like eating other fruits, they like eating apples too. When cows are served with a bucket of apples, they will eat not knowing when to stop and that is where the problem originates.
The number of apples served to cows should be regulated as too much of it may cause bloating and acidosis which is harmful to the cows’ health.
Cows like eating apples and they can eat without them getting satisfied hence the liking should be controlled by serving them with a little amount.
Are Apples Safe for Cows?
Apples are safe for cows. They do not contain any toxic substances that can harm the cows. Only that when they eat too many apples is when they will have stomach bloat.
Apples contain essential nutrients that are beneficial to cows. Some of the nutrients found in apples are also found in grass and hay hence it should be served in a small amount as it does not take the major percentage of the cows’ diet.
However, the apples should be served to cows in a small amount as too much of it may not be safe for the cows as it may cause stomach bloating.
Are Apples Healthy for Cows?
Yes, apples are healthy for cows. They contain essential nutrients that are needed for the cows’ body for it to be healthy.
Apples contain minerals and nutrients that play a big role in the bodies of the cows. It contains potassium which regulates the blood pressure of the cows and also regulates the amount of fluid retained by the cows’ body.
Vitamin B1 helps the body to absorb carbohydrates and convert them to the energy that is needed by the cow for it to move from one area to another.
Vitamin B6 helps the cows to maintain stable blood sugar levels when their intake of calories is low.
Riboflavin is also found in apples and is beneficial for the muscles in the body of cows and also is beneficial for the cows’ blood.
Due to the above nutrients, apples are safe and healthy to be served to cows as they are of better to cows than harm.
Are Apples Harmful to Cows?
Not at all. Apples are not harmful to cows. They do not contain any toxic substance in it that can harm the cows.
However, when you are going to feed your cows with apples, mash them into small pieces to avoid them choking the cow.
Cows do not have incisors but they have molars that cannot easily crush the apples. In the process, they may accidentally swallow it whole.
Apples are safe for cows as they do not contain toxic substances that can harm the cows.
Are Half-Fermented Apples Good for Cows?
Yes, partly fermented apples are good for cows. Although they are not good when served in large amounts just like the fresh ones.
Cows enjoy fermented apples. The apple aid in digestion and regulating stomach acidity. A few fermented apples are good for cows’ health.
Cows like them as they welcome fermented apples as a tasty treat that make a change from their traditional feed.
Cows have a pretty strong stomach that may digest the apples but a few of them cannot cause any harm to the cows.
The number of apples served to cows, whether fresh or partly fermented should be served to cows in a small amount as too much of it may cause stomach bloating and acidosis.
Can Calves Eat Apples?
No, calves cannot eat apples. When calves are born, they entirely depend on their mother’s milk for the first three months before they are weaned.
When they are weaned, they are fed on high-quality hay or grass as it contains main of the nutrients that the cow needs.
Fruits and vegetables should be included in their diet later. Calves should not be served with apples.
How To feed Apples to Cows
All food that we give to the animals we do it appropriately to maximize the use of the food and reduce the harm.
Every food that is served to cows should be done in a specific way. Apple should be washed just in case they contain some chemicals that may harm the cows.
The apples need to be mashed or cut into small chunks to ensure the comfort and safety of the animal when eating the fruits.
This makes the animals comfortably chew and swallow the apples and this reduces the risk of the cows swallowing the apples hence no choking of the animals.
Conclusion
Cows can eat apples and they like eating them. Apples contain nutrients that are essential for the cows’ health hence it is good to feed them with apples.
Whether the apples are fresh or partly fermented, they should be served to cows in small amounts as too much of it may cause stomach bloating and acidosis.
The apples should be cut into small chunks before they are served to cows to make it easy for the cows to chew and swallow and to avoid the risk of choking as the cows may swallow it whole.
Calves should not be served with apples. Fruits should be included in their diet later when they are grown and already weaned.
Apples are nutritious to cows hence they should be involved in their diet once in a while although it should not take a higher percentage of the cows’ diet.