If you are using a round bale feeder for cows, it’s important to keep the hay off the ground. While storing round bales under a tarp or roof is a great idea, cattle will naturally start eating the better hay first, so they’ll eventually stop eating the soggy stuff. Round bale feeders are also susceptible to damage from calves getting into them.
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Lacey’s Hay Manager
To reduce waste, Lacey’s Hay Manager round baler keeps the large round bale suspended in mid-air. Made of 14-gauge steel with 3/4-inch rods and 1/4-inch chain, the system allows for infinitely adjustable openings and feed restrictions. Each model is sized to fit a particular animal. The device requires pliers and a nine-sixteenth-inch wrench to adjust the openings.
The Hay Manager round bale feeder was created in 1996 by Ted Lacey, who was dissatisfied with the way round hay bales would spoil on the bottom of a traditional feed bin. He researched different designs and tested them on his own cattle and those of relatives. After the design was proven to be successful, he started manufacturing the system himself in his workshop and began selling it to other producers. It was time to stop wasting hay and spend more on marketing.
Another popular design of the Lacey’s Hay Manager round baler is the square feeder. It has the same dimensions as the square feeder, but is taller and can handle larger square bales. Unlike the square feeder, this unit has a truncated bottom opening. The top panel is 18-inches tall and can be reinforced with framing.
Tapered-cone round bale feeders
Using tapered-cone round bale feeders can reduce wintering costs for cows by as much as 21%. This is higher than the average reduction in wintering costs from feeding with a bale processor. The researchers also found that feeding with a tapered-cone round bale feeder can reduce waste from hay by nearly 30%. A recent study conducted by North Dakota State University shows that feeding cows with tapered-cone round bale feeders reduces the amount of hay waste by nearly one-third.
The researchers also tested four different types of round-bale feeders. They compared the cost and amount of hay used for wintering per cow to using a tapered-cone round bale feeder. Interestingly, the researchers found that feeding with a tapered-cone round bale feeder resulted in less waste, and reduced wintering costs for cows. While these findings are positive for cows, they don’t prove that this feeder will save the world.
GoBob’s Hay Sling
The design of GoBob’s Hay Sling feeding system allows you to use a smaller amount of hay. Unlike a traditional round bale feeder, this system holds a full 1200 pounds of hay, which should last approximately five days. The feeder has horizontal rods that face out, which prevents ewes from pushing into the welds. This design also reduces wear on the panels.
These Round Bale Feeders are built with heavy-duty construction and are designed for multiple animals. They are made with welded, one-piece construction and have two skirts-one for large animals and one for smaller livestock. Adding the optional “Flaps” accessory to your feeder will save you a couple hundred dollars on installation. This feeder will save you a great deal of money and give your cows a long-lasting hay supply.
Bison hay feeders
In order to feed bison correctly, you must install a self-feeding hay feeder. Bison need to be able to recognize other animals before they approach the hay feeder. This will reduce the chances of them fighting with each other in the pen. You can also purchase a separate mobile feeder for bison to get their supplements. There are a number of commercially available designs, as well as countless custom designs. You must research the various designs to determine the best one for your bison. You must ensure that the feeder design is sturdy enough to resist being overturned by bison.
Another type of feeder is the Winkel bale feeder. This feeder has twelve feeding stations and is 17′ wide. It features drop-pin locks at the four corners. The sturdy metal frame is made of 14 gauge round tubing and has a snap-in poly bottom. It has a durable steel rim and is easy to clean. It’s also a popular option for feeding horses and bison.
