By Blake Jackson
Winter is an essential time for livestock producers to ensure their animals have sufficient feed to maintain health and productivity. “Forage growth has come to an end, so making sure producers have what they need to feed their livestock though the winter is important,” said University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Eric Meusch. “These three basic steps and a sharp pencil can help them determine if they are ready for winter.”
- Calculate Animal Feed Requirements
Understanding your livestock's feed needs is the first step. On average, animals consume about 3% of their body weight in dry matter daily. Lactating cows, growing calves, and other animals may require slightly more. For example, a 1,000-pound cow needs around 30 pounds of dry matter each day, or approximately 35 pounds of hay if the hay is 85% dry matter. For 50 cows weighing 1,300 pounds each, this translates to nearly 114 tons of hay over a 99-day winter feeding period. Factoring in a 20% loss due to waste, you’d need 137 tons on hand. Adjust calculations based on the type, size, and number of animals you’re feeding.
Once you estimate animal needs, take stock of available forage, including hay and pasture. Maximizing grazing days reduces reliance on hay. Hay bales vary in weight, even if they appear similar in size, so it’s important to weigh them accurately. For instance, 137 tons of hay could require 365 bales weighing 750 pounds each or 288 bales weighing 950 pounds each.
If forage alone cannot meet nutritional needs, supplements may be necessary. Testing hay for quality helps identify deficiencies, such as energy or protein. For instance, if hay lacks sufficient total digestible nutrients (TDN), adding higher-energy supplements ensures animals meet dietary requirements, especially for lactating cows or young calves.
Proactive Planning Saves Costs
Producers should address feed shortages early by purchasing hay or adjusting livestock numbers to align with available resources. Good grazing management also minimizes feed costs by extending grazing days. For further guidance on feed planning, hay testing, or supplements, reach out to local agricultural extension services.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle