The Yanmenguan area is located in the northern and western parts of Shanxi Province, at the intersection of Mongolia, Yunnan, and Shaanxi. This region faces ecological challenges due to its fragile environment, with concentrated poverty issues. However, it also offers vast land and abundant grass and livestock resources. To address these challenges, local farmers have started using unconventional feed to raise dairy cows. This approach not only reduces reliance on grain-based feed but also increases milk production while minimizing environmental impact.
Through the promotion of advanced technologies and active guidance, the Yanmenguan area has successfully expanded the use of non-traditional feed sources among dairy farmers. This initiative plays a crucial role in sustainable development and environmental protection, offering both economic and ecological benefits.
In terms of forage resources, dairy farming in Yanmenguan primarily relies on two types: conventional and unconventional feed. Conventional forage includes corn, soybean meal, soybean hulls, bran, silage, corn stalks, alfalfa, and Northeast Leymus. Local resources like corn and bran are mostly sourced from nearby areas, while others such as soybean meal and soybean hulls are imported. Silage is cultivated locally and can be divided into different types, including whole plant silage, early harvested waxy corn silage, and green corn stalk silage. Corn stalks are grown locally, while alfalfa and Leymus are mainly purchased from regions like Gansu, Inner Mongolia, and even the United States.
Unconventional feed resources include by-products such as beer grains, distiller’s grains, corn husks, potato starch residue, tomato slag, beet leaves, sunflower shell slag, and flax straw. These materials are often overlooked or discarded but hold great potential as feed alternatives.
For example, beer grains, a by-product of the brewing industry, contain high levels of protein and yeast, making them highly beneficial for dairy cows. A major supplier in the region is Shentou Town Yanjing Beer Co., Ltd., which produces 6,000 tons of wet beer waste annually. This material is commonly used in large dairy farms with over 300 cows, especially in Shanyinong and Weicheng areas, where lactating cows receive 8–15 kg daily.
Distiller’s grains, another by-product, come mainly from local breweries like Yingxian Pear Blossom Spring Wine, which produces 4,000 tons annually. With proper handling, these grains can significantly improve milk yield in dairy cows.
Corn husks, rich in protein and low in fiber, can replace up to 50% of bran in feed rations. The main source in Yanmenguan is Yingxian Yuxiong Starch Co., Ltd., producing 1,800 tons annually after drying.
Potato starch residue, currently mostly discarded, contains high protein and nitrogen-free extract, making it a valuable resource if properly processed and dried.
Tomato slag, produced mainly in Datong City, is rich in water and protein but is rarely used due to spoilage risks. However, when silaged, it can serve as an effective roughage for cattle, reducing feeding costs and increasing milk output.
Beet leaves, abundant in the Yanbei area, offer a good source of crude fiber and protein when dried. Sunflower shell slag, rich in nutrients and pectin, is also a promising feed option, especially when silaged.
Flax and potato vines, though by-products of agriculture, can be processed into quality roughage for ruminants.
By utilizing these unconventional feed sources, the Yanmenguan area is not only improving livestock productivity but also promoting environmental sustainability. This innovative approach highlights the importance of resource recycling and smart agricultural practices in challenging environments.
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