“Turning over Rocks”
by Chris Reinhardt, feedlot specialist
This has been a year of constant challenges for beef producers. Forage and grain costs are historically high. But for the creative producer, these challenges also hide opportunities.
A recent study conducted across Kansas demonstrated that ammoniation of low quality forage dramatically improves the nutritional value of wheat straw. A $20/ton investment can yield an increase of $60 in forage value and reduce supplemental protein needs by $30 per cow this winter.
Ionophores have been around for decades but haven’t been used extensively in beef cows. But with elevated forage costs, this may be the perfect time to consider change. Research shows an improvement of 10% forage utilization when Rumensin® is included in beef cow diets. That could reduce forage costs this winter by $10-15 per cow.
Another often overlooked factor is feed wastage. Again, when forage was cheap, this wasn’t a huge deal, but when poor quality forage is costly and good quality forage almost non-existent, every savings is important. Bale feeders are not all created equal. A bale feeder with a cone insert prevents the bale from wicking moisture from the ground and molding. Angled stanchions encourage the cow to remain in the feeder once inside and not turn and fling hay backwards and also prevent the boss cow from moving laterally to push other cows aside. Research suggests bale feeder with the cone insert can save feed wastage by $10-20 per cow for the entire winter feeding season
Taken individually, these aforementioned savings are certainly worth considering. But taken in concert, the $50-70 in total feed savings may mean the difference between culling even deeper and keeping more productive females, and may help producers keep the factory together until better days return.
