by Tamara Scully

Dairy cows are ruminants, evolved to eat grass, which is composed primarily of carbohydrates. Microbes present in the rumen ferment carbs and break them down into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), the main source of energy for cows. These microbes also break down rumen-degradable proteins and non-protein nitrogen into amino acids and ammonia, which are used to build additional microbial proteins. The microbes themselves are digested and utilized in the abomasum as a source of protein for the cow, along with protein from the diet. Fats are primarily digested in the small intestine; the small intestine and abomasum handle proteins not digested in the rumen as well. (more…)

The 2020 election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 3. With that in mind, Country Folks reached out to those seeking the highest offices in each of the states in our coverage areas, asking them for their goals and plans for the agricultural sector. Many did not respond to our queries; therefore, we sought out information from their websites. Responses directly from candidates will not include the “NO RESPONSE” disclaimer. Note: Some information has been edited for space. (more…)