For livestock owners, bulk feed is essential to ensure that their animals get the right nutrients. North Central Feed and Supply provides all of the necessary bulk feed for your animals, including custom mixes. Many people think that livestock can eat virtually anything, but nutritional requirements vary by species. This article explores the different components of a feeding system and the equipment needed for it. We also discuss cost and delivery methods. If you’re wondering how bulk feed for cattle can benefit your operation, read on.
Contents
Components of a feeding system
There are various types of systems. Some of the most common are stationary systems with a rail-mounted distribution cart, and others are mobile. Both include a feeding cart with or without a mixing function, stock containers, and a distribution system. Rails or points must be installed in the area of the cow shed being serviced. Carts are automatically filled with individual components from the stock containers, and the rations are presented to the corresponding groups of animals.
The rations are mixed with feed and then distributed in different ways. The frequency of feed presentation can also be adjustable. Some systems require a farmer to fill the mixer manually, while others can be automated, without the need for a human operator. The capacity of each technical component determines the number of rations a farm can distribute each day. Many farmers link their feeding systems to performance groups in order to increase the herd’s activity levels.
Equipment needed
When you plan to bulk feed cattle, there are several pieces of equipment you will need. Some of this equipment can be home-built, while others may need to be purchased. Bunks, feeders, mangers, and self-feeders are necessary to feed cattle efficiently and at a profit. Other equipment you will need includes shipping crates, dipping vats, and scale pens. Below we outline some of the most important pieces of equipment needed for bulk feeding cattle.
Various troughs are necessary for feeding cattle. Concrete feed bunks are the most common, as they allow cattle to feed from either side. You can also use treated-lumber feed bunks if you do not plan to use concrete. A mixing wagon and conveyor with belt or chain can deliver feed to the cattle. A bucket loader can also be used for feeding cattle. Depending on the size of the herd, you will need several different types of troughs.
Cost
Purchasing bulk cattle feed is an important part of a successful livestock operation, but not all producers have access to it. Feed mills and stores typically sell their product in 50-pound paper bags that aren’t reusable. Producers with small herds may want to use bagged feed rather than investing in bulk delivery equipment, which will increase labor costs. For this reason, some producers may choose to purchase feed in bulk and then deliver it themselves.
Prices of staple grains are rising for cattle producers. Soybeans and corn are becoming increasingly expensive, and other feeds are escalating as well. As a result, farmers need to find creative ways to continue to raise livestock despite the rising costs. In May, pelleted soybean hulls were sold for $170 a ton in Indiana. This means that feed prices may continue to rise. If you can’t afford to buy grain in bulk, there are other options.
Delivery methods
There are several delivery methods for bulk feed for cattle. These methods depend on the type of feed, the location of placement, and the amount of waste. For example, most feedlots use concrete feed bunks, which allow cows to feed on one or both sides. Other methods include using a bucket loader, a chain or belt conveyor, or a mixer wagon. In some cases, a truck-mounted feeder can deliver bulk feed.
Overhead bins are another common way of receiving bulk feed for cattle. Overhead bins are convenient for storing bulk feed, but don’t offer a delivery method to livestock. In such cases, additional equipment is needed for transportation of the feed. However, these methods are a viable option for producers with small herd sizes. However, the disadvantage of bulk feed delivery is the added labor required to deliver it. Using an overhead bin may not be the best option if you have limited manpower.
