With increasing cattle feed prices and limited supplies, there is a need to consider other alternative cattle feed. A good option is potatoes especially because during glut there is a lot of potatoes that go to waste. However a few practical points should be considered when feeding potatoes to cattle.
- Nutritional value
Potatoes are high in moisture (20% dry matter), are highly digestible and good source of Metabolizable Energy (ME) 13 MJ/kg Dry Matter (DM).They are rich in starch (57% DM basis) but low in protein and fiber (11 and 2.6% DM basis respectively). The protein in fresh potatoes is readily soluble in the rumen. Potato starch is in a granular/crystal form. Due to this structure, the rumen degradability of the starch tends to be slower than wheat or barley and somewhat similar to maize grain. The rumen by-pass starch provides a good source of glycogenic energy but care is needed in ration formulation to avoid excessive Starch entering the small intestine resulting in digestive upset. This is a key consideration in upper feeding limit recommendations for potatoes.
Potatoes can be a replacement for some cereals and forages. On an energy basis, 1kg potato dry matter can replace between 970-990g of barley or around 910- 925g maize (DM basis). Similarly, solely on the basis of Metabolizable energy, 1kg of potato dry matter can replace around 1.2kg of grass silage or 1.1kg of maize silage (DM basis), dependent on their energy value. In times where fodder is in short supply this can be a useful option. However, such a replacement will not supply the forage fiber contribution which must therefore be balanced to avoid inducing acidosis. This is particularly important when wet and/or high acid loading silages are being fed as part of the ration.
- Feeding rate
On a fresh basis, up to 9-10kg/head/day can be fed to lactating cows. At 20% dry matter, this can replace around 2.3kg of cereals (fresh basis)
When feeding potatoes, ensure that the total ration is balanced for all nutrients beyond ME, particularly metabolizable protein, NDF, minerals and vitamins, starch and rumen health.
- Production parameters
Milk production and milk quality is not significantly affected when potatoes replace a moderate level of cereal in the diet. However there have been some reports where feed intake was depressed which may have been due to soil contamination.
Practical Considerations
- Potatoes pose a risk of choking and should not be fed whole. Chopping or crushing will reduce this risk. Small or frozen potatoes pose the biggest threat to choking and must be carefully processed before feeding.
- Excess soil can be a problem which can decrease the intake significantly and affect rumen function. Beware of stones when feeding
- Avoid feeding green and sprouted potatoes as these are high in glycoalkaloids, which can be toxic to cattle.
- Rotten potatoes should also be
- Store potatoes for stock feed to minimize sprouting or rotting. This is not easy and as such rapid consumption of the delivery is often the only practical solution
- Introduce potatoes slowly to allow rumen microbes to adapt to the starch
- Potatoes are low in minerals and vitamins and as such the balance in the total diet must be
- Feed values may differ slightly for different varieties (there are over 70 registered varieties in Kenya). The composition table below provides a useful
Source: www.frankwrighttrouw.com
Comments(4)
Abdullah Othman Shehu says:
May 13, 2023 at 6:59 PMGreat, I really appreciate the wealth of knowledge I earn from this write up on potatoes as feed for cattle. I am working on a similar project in an area where potatoes is produced in abundance. Do the leaves and vines have similar nutritional values? May I use your material as reference? Thank you a million, happy to see that you have ahead in many areas. Thank you.
npckwebsite says:
October 30, 2024 at 9:44 AMHello, thank you for your response we value you so much. you asked if the leaves and vines are nutritional to the animals, read through this info and I hope it will help you.
Irish (or regular) potato leaves and stems are generally not safe for consumption by either animals or humans due to the presence of a natural toxin called solanine. Here’s a breakdown of why they’re usually avoided and what this means for both animals and people:
1. Toxic Compound – Solanine
– Potato leaves, stems, and even green or sprouted potatoes contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid poison. Solanine is toxic to humans and animals if consumed in significant amounts and can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, cramps, dizziness, and, in severe cases, even neurological symptoms.
– Solanine is a natural pesticide that helps the plant defend against insects, so it’s particularly concentrated in the green parts (like leaves and stems) and in the skin of green or sprouting potatoes.
2. Impact on Humans
– Even small amounts of potato greens can cause digestive discomfort or toxicity symptoms, and consuming larger quantities could lead to more serious health issues.
– Cooking the greens doesn’t fully remove the toxins, so they remain unsafe even after heating.
3. Impact on Animals
– Animals, especially common livestock like cattle, goats, and chickens, are also susceptible to solanine poisoning. Symptoms in animals can include digestive upset, weakness, and, in more severe cases, paralysis or death.
– Some animals, like rabbits, can tolerate tiny amounts, but it’s generally not recommended to offer potato greens to any animal due to the risk of toxicity.
What Parts of the Potato Are Safe?
– The potato tuber (the part we commonly eat) is safe for consumption as long as it hasn’t turned green or sprouted. The toxin level in the edible tuber part is very low unless it has been exposed to light, causing it to green and increase in solanine.
In short, it’s best to avoid feeding potato leaves and stems to animals or consuming them yourself. Instead, stick to the edible tubers, and always remove any green or sprouting sections before cooking and eating.
Ankur mittal says:
December 22, 2023 at 4:44 PMWe produce potato powder for cattle food for best feeling, Plz contact with us
Stella Kinyanjui says:
October 29, 2024 at 10:31 AMI have been feeding my 3 heifers aix of carrots,egg plants, cabbage leaves and half-ripe bananas all shredded into small pieces to avoid chocking.My heifers love the treat .I feed them the treat in small amounts approximately 1kg per heifer daily alongside lots of napier grass ,wheat bran and clean water.The heifers are beginning to look healthy and their coat which was rough and shaggy is becoming very smooth.