Cost Effective Livestock Feed

More than half of a cow-calf operational expenses come from feed costs. During the winter season, most regions are forced to increase there inputs on feed to replace the grazing capability cows have during other seasons when grass is not dormant. For this reason, not only are most of the inputs for feed, but most of these inputs occur during the winter seasons. Producing an efficient winter feeding program for your herd is a key way producers can positively impact profit margins each year.

Whenever possible, high quality hay should be fed during winter season. Producers should test to ensure hay is sufficient in energy, protein, and other necessary nutrients. When feeding hay that is not sufficient in these factors, it will lead to necessary supplementation creating a higher input that can be avoided. Low-quality forage creates a slower digestion process for the livestock. Not only does this decrease their daily intake, but if not corrected will lead to malnourished cows and increased risk for diseases. When the hay forage is of high-quality, on average a cow can consume approximately 3% of their body weight daily. This helps maintain cattle weight, but also health. Grain supplementation can be used when forage quality is lower, however, science has proven that it should be given no more than 0.5% of the cow's body weight daily.

Of course grazing is the most beneficial for year round health and cattle gain, but in some regions this is not possible due to snow cover, weather conditions, or other related factors, planning ahead for feed programs is a great way to avoid unexpected costs for any operation.

It is important to take the time to calculate your operation's total annual feed costs in order to properly plan or change a feeding program, including; feed, labor, equipment, fuel, and feed delivery. This should be evaluated annually to ensure no further change need to be made in future years. Some of the changes that this process can lead to is a switch in feed to changing from a fall calving herd to a spring calving herd. These changes are based on cost effectiveness, cattle breed, and region of operation. Once you have completed this, it should give you a pretty good idea at where to begin making operational changes.