When it comes to feeding cows in winter, there are many options available. Some people choose to supplement their diet with Round bales and other sources of grain. Other options include Hay, Corn, and Corn/Round bales. The right choice depends on your individual needs and farming operations. Read on to learn more about what to feed cows in winter. We hope this article has helped you make the right decision for your cows!
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Hay
If you’re a dairy farmer, you’re probably thinking: “Hay is what to feed cows in winter.” But what exactly should you feed your cattle? How much hay should you give them each day? There are many factors to consider, including the cow’s body weight and lactation status. For instance, a 1,600-pound lactating Limousin will need 50 percent more hay than a 900-pound Highland heifer. Similarly, a 500-pound calf requires no more than ten pounds of hay per day, while a lactating Limousin requires about 50 pounds of hay per day.
In cold weather, livestock need to maintain their body temperature by storing food in their rumen throughout the night. For this purpose, they can use extra straw as bedding, as well as big straw bales that serve as feeders. For optimum feeding results, use oat straw as it is palatable. The hay should be placed on a grassy surface, such as snow, rather than on bare ground or mud. This is because muddy or step-on hay is not very appetizing to livestock.
Corn
While you may not think about the cheapest way to provide your cattle with sufficient calories during winter, haylage can help. When used properly, haylage has twice the energy content of dry hay. In addition, haylage has the advantage of being easier to access. For your convenience, haylage is harvested earlier in the year than dry hay. Research from Kansas State University indicates that 6 pounds of haylage per head of cattle is sufficient.
For cattle farmers in the northern U.S., corn is a common feed grain. Although corn is a less efficient feed grain than hay, it is still widely used in beef cattle diets. A recent increase in plantings in North Dakota has resulted in an increase in corn production. North Dakota produced nearly four hundred million bushels of corn last year. However, the downside of corn is that it is lower in protein than other feed grains. However, corn provides the cow with energy, fiber, and essential minerals that are crucial to the health of cattle.
Round bales
Using round bales to feed cows in winter is a smart and affordable way to make the most of your farm’s limited resources. While the cost of feeding a cow with hay can be high, the added benefits are many. For starters, putting bales in a hay ring is much more efficient than trying to transport them across the farm. During winter, mowing the field can help reduce the fuel load on wildfires. Round bales can be placed on 20-foot centers in a field or pasture. These can be covered with a movable electric fence, and then fed to the cows.
Another major benefit of using round bales is the reduced waste. According to University of Missouri research, feeding a herd with ten-day-supply of hay can result in a 40 percent waste. Meanwhile, feeding a 60-cow herd with only four bales can result in a 40 percent waste of feed. By contrast, feeding cows with five-day-supply round bales can reduce waste by up to 80 percent.
Supplementation
The timing of supplementary feeding for cows in winter can vary widely from region to region. Farmers in areas where summer rainfall is higher will likely have to change their winter feeding plans. Drought-stricken areas are likely to experience lower forage growth than other areas, so supplementation is essential for achieving optimum cow performance. Forage testing is an excellent option for producers whose forage supply does not meet the requirements.
First, determine which nutrients the cows lack and then supplement accordingly. Depending on the stage of production, the amount of each nutrient needed by the animals will vary. Identifying limiting nutrients will help producers decide which supplements will address the most pressing needs. In addition, consider whether the supplements will be cost-effective and balance the diet of the animals. If your cows are not getting enough protein, consider limiting them with vitamin A or minerals. If you plan to supplement your cows during the winter, consider a balanced approach.
