There are three main components of cattle feed costs: Grazed and harvested feed, Mineral supplements, and hay and grass. Let’s examine each of these components to better understand how they affect the total cattle feed cost. Also learn about the differences between pasture and hay and what factors should be considered when purchasing the two. We’ll conclude by discussing some common mistakes made when purchasing hay and grass for cattle. Let’s begin by estimating the average daily gain of a feeder steer.
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Grazed and harvested feed costs
Grazed and harvested cattle feed costs are the single largest expense for cow-calf producers. Fortunately, Nebraska Extension Beef has many resources and contact information for specialist help. These specialists can help you evaluate various management and feeding options to reduce your feed cost and maximize profitability. Here are some useful feed cost statistics. You’ll be amazed how much you can save! Read on to learn how! Grazed and harvested cattle feed costs are a key component of your overall profitability.
Grazing crop residue can provide additional benefits to producers. For example, a 50-pound corn stalk can contain all kinds of leaf material, husks, and downed ears. The cattle will first eat the leaf material and will leave only a small portion of the stalk. Cattle can use up to 25% of this material. For best results, grazed and harvested corn residues should be fed to cattle during the fall or early winter months.
Mineral supplementation
There are many options for mineral supplementation. Minerals are essential for animals to function at their best and should be provided in a form that they will readily eat and in the amounts required. The most effective way to provide these minerals to animals is to add them to the cattle feed in the form of fortified pellets or grain. Tests performed to determine mineral requirements are an accurate way to match the correct feeds with the needs of animals. There are two types of minerals: macro and micro. The former includes salt, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
The combination of zinc and copper is an excellent way to provide both elements. Zinc is important for immune response, growth, and reproduction, so cattle that are lacking in it will have reduced feed intake and more skin lesions. In addition, cattle that are deficient in zinc exhibit higher sickness levels and are less likely to respond to treatment. If zinc supplementation is necessary, a chelated or sulfate mineral blend is the most effective method.
Quality of hay
The quality of hay used in cattle feed cost estimation is based on the components of the hay. Among these components are crude protein, energy, fat, and fiber. The relationships between these components are defined by extensive studies using actual animals. However, it is not possible to calculate the total quality of hay without analyzing the samples. Hence, it is important to sample the hay for cattle feed cost estimation before purchasing it.
First, the quality of hay should be good. It should not smell moldy, musty, or sour. If it does, it is likely to be moldy or wet. Moldy hay will be heavy, sticky, and dusty. It might even be brown or even sweet if it has been overheated. This type of hay has been damaged by heat and can lose up to 50% of its value. Also, hay that has been stored improperly will have less energy and protein.
Price of hay
Hay prices are rising by up to $50 a ton this winter, and are much higher than anticipated. Large square bales with 25.5% protein sell for more than $245 a ton, and non-typical hay may be more expensive. Many farmers don’t have their own forage to supply their cattle, so hay supplements may be necessary. Fortunately, there are several resources to help you get a better idea of the cost of hay for cattle feed.
The Agricultural Marketing Service publishes a weekly summary of hay market prices in the country. The report also includes auction market information and individual state hay market data. The AMS’s National Hay, Feed and Seed Weekly Summary is one of the best sources of hay price information. The report contains information on individual states, local auction markets, and more. For cattle producers, it’s the best source of hay price information.
Bunk refusals
While you’re trying to cut down on bunk refusals, there are a few things you can do to minimize the cost of bunk feeding. First, avoid slick bunks. Second, have your feed delivered at the same time every day. Third, watch cow behavior in the bunk. Monitor TMR consistency, feed push-ups, and bunk refusals to ensure the optimal amount of feed is delivered. If your cows are consistently refusing to take their feed, it’s time to push more feed up. If they’re refusing to eat, they’re likely to become metabolically ill and need feed additives.
Feeding to an empty bunk is not only not advantageous for your herd, but it’s also not economical. In fact, feeding to a 5 percent refusal rate can cost you five to six cents per day, which adds up fast with moderately sized herds. Increasing the percentage of feed your cows reject by just one percent is just not worth the cost. So, you can stop feeding to an empty bunk by implementing a routine push-up program.
Winter hay
For those who raise livestock during the cold months, hay is an affordable and highly nutritious feed for cattle. Depending on the system used, a herd may require as much as 2.2 tons of hay in one winter. In addition to the cost, hay is highly nutritious, retaining its nutritional value for longer. The Beef Cattle Research Council’s Winter Feed Cost Comparison Calculator can help producers compare winter hay to other feed inputs and determine the financial impact of switching to the alternative.
The amount of hay needed per animal during winter varies depending on the breed and stage of lactation. A 1,600-pound lactating Limousin needs more hay than a 900-pound Highland heifer, primarily because it requires more nutrients to produce milk. During winter, milking beef cows need 50% more energy and total digestible nutrients than a lactating Highland heifer. Compared to a 500-pound calf, a lactating Limousin requires 50 pounds of hay per day.
