7 tips for feeding your flock in winter

7 tips for feedingyour flock in winter

The health of the animals, their productivity and, ultimately, the profitability of the farm depend on how well the process of feeding livestock is organized in winter. Feed wastage during this time can become a serious problem, increasing costs and reducing farm efficiency.

In winter, when access to feedstuff is especially important, the lack of quality hay forces animals to spend more energy on maintaining body weight. This can lead to deterioration in their health and decreased productivity. However, there are ways to avoid significant feed wastage and reduce costs.

Below are seven effective strategies to help you optimize your livestock feeding during the winter.

1. Use only high-quality feedstuff

The quality of feedstuff directly affects its consumption. Livestock can be picky and reject low-quality hay, resulting in significant losses. To avoid this, analyze the quality of feedstuff, be it your own or purchased. Use lower-quality hay at the beginning of winter, when losses are less critical, and leave high-quality feedstuff for later in the winter.

2. Ensure proper storage of feedstuff

Proper storage of feedstuff preserves its nutritional value and reduces spoilage. Hay stored outdoors is more likely to be exposed to moisture, which deteriorates its quality. If it is not possible to store feedstuff indoors, be sure to use protective coverings such as stretch film or tarpaulin, after baling the hay using a bale net wrap.

Place rolls on stands to avoid contact with the ground.

3. Prepare feeding areas

Mud and puddles at feeding areas increase losses and degrade the quality of feed. Improve drainage and reinforce areas where you plan to feed livestock ahead of time, such as with gravel or concrete footings. If possible, create multiple feeding areas to avoid over-compacting the soil.

4. Determine the optimal feeding frequency

Feeding small portions several times a day reduces wastage because cattle have time to eat the feedstuff before it becomes contaminated or spoiled. However, this approach requires additional labor. Find a balance between feeding frequency, time investment and herd size to achieve maximum efficiency.

5. Choose the right feeding methods

The method of feeding greatly influences feedstuff loss. For example, rolling bales on the ground is only suitable for short-term feeding, otherwise much of the hay will become contaminated and wasted. Using compressed square bales or special feeders helps minimize waste.

6. Invest in feeders

Without the use of feeders, feedstuff loss can reach 30%. Modern round bale feeders lift feed off the ground, preventing contamination and scattering. This not only preserves the quality of the hay, but also saves time needed to harvest and prepare new feedstuff.

7. Try the pasture bale feeding method

The pasture feeding method involves strategically placing bales of hay in the pasture. This reduces labor costs, since feedstuff is distributed immediately for a long period, and minimizes the load on the land. However, to implement this approach, it is necessary to take into account the size of the pasture and the number of livestock.

Winter feeding is always a challenge, but it can be overcome. By following these strategies, you can minimize losses, improve animal health, and increase your farm’s profitability. Winter does not forgive mistakes, but proper feeding management will allow you to get through this period with minimal costs and maximum efficiency.