When cows consume feeds, the major nutrients they extract from them are water, energy, protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. These will have a major influence on cow performance.

1. Water

• The body of dairy cow is composed of 70 - 75% water.

• Milk is around 87% of water.

• Water is not fed as much because it does not provide specific nutrient but it is crucial to regulate body temperature.

• Water is involved in digestion, nutrient transfer, metabolism and waste removal.

2) Energy

• Cows use energy to function.

• Energy is a crucial requirement for milk production.

• Energy determines milk yield and composition.

3) Protein

• Protein helps to build and repair body's enzymes and hormones.

• Protein is needed for basic metabolic process, growth and pregnancy.

• Protein is also crucial for milk production.

• Protein is made up of various amino acids which are building blocks for production of protein for milk, tissue growth and development of foetus during pregnancy.

4) Fibre

• For efficient digestion, the rumen contents must be coarse with an open structure and this is best met by fibre in the diet.

• Fibre contains most of the indigestible parts of the diets.

• This will make sure cows chew its cud and salivates enough as saliva helps to buffer the rumen against sudden changes in acidity.

5) Vitamins

• Vitamins are organic compounds that all animal require in small amounts.

• At least 15 vitamins are essential for animals.

• Vitamins are needed for many metabolic processes such as production of enzyme, bone formation, milk production and reproduction.

6) Minerals

• Minerals are needed for teeth and bone formation, enzyme, nerve, muscle function, milk production, efficient utilisation of energy and protein.