Emma Briggs, Beef Production Systems, Hays
Reducing hay waste is one of the simplest ways to improve the efficiency and profitability of cattle operations. Every operation is different, but the type of hay feeder you choose can significantly impact how much forage is wasted during feeding. Some feeders are designed to hold hay securely and keep it clean, while others allow for more spillage and contamination. By understanding how feeder design influences hay loss, you can make the best choice for your operation and see the benefits in your bottom line.
Open-bottom Design Feeders: A Common Source of Waste
Open-bottom feeders like the open-bottom steel ring and polyethylene pipe open-bottom ring (Figure 1) are widely used, but their open designs often lead to high levels of waste.
These feeders lack sheeted bottoms, individual feeding stations, or barriers to limit access to the bale. This design makes it easy for cattle to pull hay from the bale and drop it outside the feeder, especially during the first 24 hours (Figure 2) after a new bale is introduced. Research has shown waste levels of 16% to 21% of the original bale weight with these feeders, much of it due to hay being trampled. While open-design feeders may seem convenient, lightweight, or cost-effective upfront, the hay wasted can quickly add up, making them a less economical choice in the long run.
Sheeted-Bottom Feeders: A Step in the Right Direction
Feeders with sheeted bottoms, such as the sheeted-bottom steel ring design (Figure 1), offer a practical way to reduce hay waste. A sheeted bottom, extending at least 18 inches from the ground, helps contain loose hay and minimizes the amount cattle can pull out.
Sheeted-bottom feeders are particularly effective during the later stages of feeding when the bale collapses. They help maintain a clean feeding area and keep loose hay within reach of the cattle. Research indicates that these feeders can reduce hay waste by about 39% compared to open-design feeders, with waste levels dropping to around 12% of the original bale weight.
Cone or Basket Feeders: Minimal Waste
If you’re looking for the most efficient option, feeder designs that have either a basket or cone adaptation are hard to beat (Figure 1). These feeders incorporate innovative features that drastically reduce hay waste, such as suspending the bale or restricting access to the top third of the bale. By keeping the hay centrally located and contained, these designs make it harder for cattle to waste hay by pulling it outside the feeder. Studies have shown that advanced feeders like these can reduce waste by 60% to 73% compared to open designs, with reported losses as low as 2% to 5% in some cases. In these studies, these feeders also incorporate sheeted bottoms, which reduce waste as the bale collapses, and provide ample feeding space.
Knowing the quality of your hay
If you can, test your hay. Knowing its nutritional value allows you to tailor feeding amounts to meet the needs of your cattle based on their stage of production. This ensures your cows get the nutrition they need without overfeeding, which reduces waste and saves money.
Other Feeding Strategies
Unrolling Hay: If you choose to unroll hay, be sure to feed only what your cattle can consume within 12 to 24 hours. Waste increases dramatically beyond this window, often exceeding 25% of the original bale weight, as cattle start using uneaten hay for bedding.
Limiting Access: Restricting access to hay for 5 to 12 hours a day can be a highly effective way to reduce waste. This practice decreases hay intake and lowers overall costs by reducing the amount of hay needed for the winter season. Despite the reduced access, cattle can maintain acceptable performance, making this a practical option for many operations.
Sexten AJ, Moore MF, McMurphy CP, Mourer GL, Linneen SK, Brown MA, Richards CJ, Lalman DL. Effects of bale feeder design on hay waste, intake, and apparent diet digestibility in gestating beef cows. Transl Anim Sci. 2021 Jun 10;5(3):txab104. doi: 10.1093/tas/txab104
