Farmers can’t afford to waste valuable feed nutrients—especially in tough economic times. That’s why Dan Buskirk, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension beef production specialist, is encouraging farmers to take a close look at their hay management systems to determine what kind of feeder works best.
“Hay is too expensive to waste,” says Buskirk. “Using a well-designed hay feeder can be the difference between a profitable feed management system and leaving money on the ground.”
Excessive round-bale feed waste increases feed costs, pests, pathogen loads and concentration of feed nutrients around the feeding site. Buskirk notes that purchasing new feeders is not always the best way of controlling costs and keeping depreciation expenses low, but the cost of hay waste can be substantial, especially when the hay price is relatively high.
Buskirk conducted a comprehensive study at the MSU Beef Cattle Research and Teaching Center (BCRC) that evaluated cone, ring, trailer and cradle hay feeders. His study not only considered feed waste, but also animal behavior at each type of feeder. Cows using the cradle feeder were nearly three times more likely to headbutt and displace other cows, and were forced to use the feeder entrances four times more often than cows eating at the other types of feeders.
“Feed losses correlate with agonistic interactions and feeder entrances,” Buskirk reports. “Design features are important in reducing the amount of hay waste associated with feeding in round-bale feeders.”
Buskirk’s research shows that reducing hay waste from 30 percent to 10 percent can save beef producers an average of nearly $2,000 annually. And that’s assuming the hay is valued at $100 per ton. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Michigan hay prices may vary from $109 to $129 per ton in 2009.
“Managing hay waste can help keep feed costs in line while better managing forage nutrients and preventing environmental problems,” Buskirk says.
Buskirk will dig deeper into his research findings during Profitable Environmental Options for Livestock Producers on July 21, 2009. He’ll show examples of hay feeders and discuss which options are best for various types of farms. See page 1 to learn more about this special Ag Expo event.
From the July 2009 issue of The Scoop on Animal Agriculture and the Environment.