Raising cattle can be a rewarding lifestyle but can also present challenges, especially when managing costs and resources. With increasing prices affecting every aspect of daily life, finding ways to save money without compromising quality is essential.
On the ranch, one way to help with saving costs is through effective hay management, which goes beyond just feeding your herd. It also includes ensuring every bale is used to its fullest potential by minimizing waste and maximizing nutritional value. Curious how you can raise a healthier herd while saving costs? Here’s how.
Research proper storage techniques
During the summer months, cattle are away at pasture eating fresh grass, so the need to feed hay bales is less likely. Due to the fact your bales will be sitting, proper storage becomes essential to ensure they’ll stay fresh for longer.
In most areas, summer is the time of rain and thunderstorms. Though ranchers pray for moisture, too much of it can become bad – especially for bales left unused for long periods. It is essential to make sure your hay bales are stored in a designated hay shed or under tarps and up off the ground on a platform to minimize the risk of moisture getting to them. Bales exposed to too much moisture can become moldy and cause illness to cattle when consumed, which means they’ll need to be disposed of – wasting a lot of money.
When storing your hay bales, it’s also important to ensure proper ventilation. This includes stacking bales to promote airflow or stacking in a building with vents. If bales are stacked too tightly together without airflow, moisture can get trapped, leading to mold growth or spontaneous combustion. The ideal moisture content for stored hay is between 15% and 18%, which can be monitored by using moisture sensors or probes. Properly storing your bales can keep them fresh for longer and save a lot of time, effort and money.
Consider implementing a feeding schedule
Properly storing hay is only part of the equation to ensure it lasts longer and saves you money. Proper feeding practices are another key to making your feed last longer. Though it may be a little more difficult during the summer months when you aren’t feeding cattle hay as often (if at all), it’s essential to maintain a feeding schedule when it does come time to feed hay more consistently. This is because cattle thrive on routines, so a consistent feeding schedule can help regulate their digestive systems, reduce stress and help promote a more uniform weight across your herd, which will benefit you greatly at sale time.
Additionally, having a consistent feeding schedule can help you around calving season. Some ranchers have found that feeding cattle later in the afternoon or evening leads to cows calving throughout the daytime. Cattle are prey animals, and predators such as coyotes and wolves are typically more active at night, so having calves born in daylight can be safer for you and everyone around. During the night, cattle are much more alert and can be harder to assist if needed, which poses a greater risk of injury to you and the animal. Another benefit to changing your feeding schedule so cows are more likely to calve during the day is the fact that temperatures are typically warmer, which is ideal for newborn calves.
Use the right equipment
One way you can feed your animals while saving money is by using the right equipment. Using a no-waste round bale feeder is recommended because it’s quick and easy to use; all you do is cut the strings and drop the bale in. A no-waste hay feeder also keeps the bale contained, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up a mess of spoiled hay.
No-waste hay feeders are designed using a cone-shaped rod and chain suspension system to keep bales off the ground. Studies have shown that when hay bales are rolled on the ground, up to 57% of the hay fed is wasted. This is compared to just 5%-33% when using a regular round bale feeder and 5%-15% when using a no-waste feeder. By keeping bales suspended off the ground and restricting cattle access, you’re prolonging the life of the bale in many ways. When hay bales are placed on the ground, they are more prone to moisture, bacteria and animal waste, which leads to rotting and waste. Additionally, when cattle have access to an entire bale (i.e., when it’s rolled out on the ground), they’ll pick through the best parts and use the rest for bedding, which increases the amount of waste.
When considering ways to maximize your feed and ensure it lasts longer, there are a lot of factors to keep in mind. Effective hay management can significantly impact your bottom line and the health of your cattle. By using proper storing techniques, establishing a feeding schedule and investing in the right equipment, you can ensure every hay bale is used to its fullest potential. Your cattle (and your wallet) will thank you.
