Milk producers often face the challenge of sufficient milk production. They also need to prevent milk from souring. With rising milk consumption, there is also a demand for milk and other dairy products.
One factor that can affect milk production is the feed consumed by the cow. Many research findings indicate that the cow’s diet, external environment, and its mental health affect the milk quantity. It can also vary depending on whether cows are fed indoors or graze outdoors. This is when animal feed flavors come into the picture.
Most researchers believe animal feed flavors can determine the milk’s profile and expected quantity. When animals consume more feed, they receive better nutrition. It can lead to more milk yield and quality.
We have mentioned three major animal feed flavors:
- Carvacrol
You can find Carvacrol in oregano oil. It can enhance the taste of feed and encourage better feed intake.
When we talk about milk production, carvacrol’s impact is more indirect. It improves the flavor and palatability of feed which leads to more consistent feed consumption.
This, in turn, can positively influence milk yield and milk quality. Plus, Carvacrol can maintain a healthier digestive system in animals. This benefit also leads to better milk production and quality.
- Eugenol
You can find Eugenol in clove oil. It acts as a flavor additive in animal feed to enhance palatability. When you incorporate this ingredient into feed, eugenol can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues.
It can promote more efficient nutrient absorption which indirectly contributes to better milk production. This combination of increased feed intake and improved gut health can positively impact the quantity and quality of your milk.
- Thymol
Majorly used in the poultry and dairy industry, thymol proves to be a worthy feed flavor. However, thymol does not function independently to improve milk production. A recent Google patent said that using a natural substance with thymol can prevent and treat diseases caused by Clostridium perfringens in animals.
The natural substance includes a mix of guaiacol, thymol, Eugenol, capsaicin, tannin, and at least one cresol. This mixture also boosts feed digestibility and promotes better growth in animals. The invention suggests that if you prepare animal feed with 1-500 ppm of this mixture, your animals remain in a healthy state which in turn boosts milk production.