A commercial self-feeder, typically with a capacity of 200 bushels, allows 25 inches of bunk space per head. The cows were fed grass hay in large round bale feeders. This hay was then added to the TMR ration for the self-fed treatments. The calves were weighed approximately every 28 days to record feed intake and gain. The average daily gain was also calculated. The results were presented in a chart for each weight period.
Cost of feeding cattle on a self-feeder
Feeding cattle on a self-feeder is a highly effective method for raising cattle. They work well in confinement feedlot cattle and cow-calf operations. Portable self-feeders, sometimes referred to as creep feeders, are often used with calves out on pasture. They come with a gate to prevent larger animals from reaching the feed. A self-feeder contains a hopper with feed that is automatically delivered to the trough. Feeder cattle are usually around 600 to 800 pounds, while live cattle are fed until harvest weight.
In a study comparing cattle fed on self-feeders with those fed on bunks, cattle on SF treatments gained more than those on TMR diets. However, the cost per pound gained by cattle fed on self-feeders was higher than that of cattle fed on bunks. The reason for this difference is that self-fed cattle tend to have a higher feed cost and feed waste. A hay feeder can reduce feed waste, and improve the economics of self-feeding.
With these factors in mind, you should consider how much you spend on feed. A mid-gestation cow can be fed free-choice CRP hay. A low-quality bale of hay/corn residue will cost approximately $60/ton, while modified distillers’ costs around $75/ton. A mid-gestation cow will consume approximately 24 pounds of dry matter of the residue, and only need about 1.8 pounds of distillers’ to maintain its energy level. That’s only $0.86 per day!
When feeding cattle on a self-feeder, they often choose the most palatable plants to eat. They prefer the ones that taste best, so it’s important to choose the right kind of forage. The CWT of a beef cow varies from $135 to $165, and the price of a 500-pound calf is around $700. With a self-feeder, the cattle owner chooses the amount of forage and type of milk to give to the calves.
Cost of feeding cattle with a self-feeder
In order to reduce feed costs, producers can choose to feed their cattle with a self-feeder. Feed prices are rising, and this can make raising livestock difficult. For example, in May, pelleted soy hulls were priced at $170 per ton in Indiana. The price per ton of soybeans is currently at $210.
While feeding daily with TMR diets may seem like a good idea, the cost is much higher than feeding cattle with a self-feeder. The price of yardage and production are both higher for TMR diets than for SF diets. However, there are many advantages to using a self-feeder. One of the primary benefits is the ability to feed small groups of cattle at once.
Self-feeders are a good choice for smaller cattle producers, as they can be used in a pasture with a variety of species. Smaller producers can even use a self-feeder to finish feeder cattle. The self-feeder is a very efficient method for feeding cattle, and it reduces feed and labor costs. It also helps to save on fuel and equipment, which are valuable commodities for any livestock operation.
Feeding cattle with a self-feeder is an efficient and cost-effective method for small-to-mid-sized operations. Small-scale producers will save time by not needing to schedule feeding twice a day. Smaller producers can feed cattle by hand, but they need to be more vigilant with the feeding process to avoid food waste. This is why small to mid-sized producers should use self-feeders. However, to make a self-feeder work, you must be able to manage the equipment.
Despite the low-cost self-feeder, farmers should still compare cost with feed costs. The difference is significant, but the overall cost is much lower. Some producers even see a net gain and lower feeding costs. The researchers suggest that farmers who use self-feeders should consider this method as an investment. In addition, the economics of self-feeding cattle on grass are similar to those for other livestock.
