Ingestion and Mastication of Feed by Dairy Cattle

Abstract

The chewing that occurs during eating and ruminating is essential for digestion and passage of feed through the gastrointestinal tract of the dairy cow, enabling dry matter consumption in excess of 3% of body weight each day. Chewing increases saliva secretion, which helps buffer the rumen environment and optimizes fiber digestion. Chewing also reduces the particle size of feed, which is a prerequisite for passage of feeds from the forestomach, but the extent of particle breakdown during chewing depends on the feed. Optimizing the chewing behavior and rumen function of the dairy cow can enhance yield and fat content of milk.