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A 1200-pound cow, ready for processing, will require 36 pounds of forage per day based on the formula used here. Thirty-six pounds of hay is close to one small square bale of hay per day, taking into consideration some waste.
How many bales of hay does a cow need for winter?
Calculate Number of Bales Needed Determine the number of bales of hay that each cow needs by dividing the cow’s yearly need by the adjusted weight of each bale. For a cow needing 8,190 pounds of hay per year and a bale weight of 960 pounds, divide 8,190 by 960 for a yearly need of about 8.5 bales per cow.
How many square bales does a cow eat in the winter?
Cows will voluntarily consume 2 percent of body weight or 24 pounds per day. The 24 pounds is based on 100 percent dry matter. If we assume that the hay is 92 percent dry matter or 8 percent moisture, then the cows will consume about 26 pounds per day on an “as-fed basis.”Nov 20, 2018.
How long does a bale of hay last for one cow?
One round bale lasts about 8-10 days using our regular round bale hay net with 1.75″ holes. Without a net, a bale lasts approximately 5-6 days and half of it is wasted. Once the hay hits the ground, it gets urinated and defecated on or they use it as a bed and refuse to eat it.
How much hay does a cow need per month?
Cows will voluntarily consume 2.0% of body weight or 24 pounds per day. The 24 pounds is based on 100% dry matter. Grass hays will often be 7 to 10% moisture. If we assume that the hay is 92% dry matter or 8% moisture, then the cows will consume about 26 pounds per day on an “as-fed basis”.
How many cows can one bale of hay feed?
Most hay rings have enough space for approximately 10 cows at a time. The more aggressive cows will eat first and consume the more desirable hay. Cows that are more timid will be forced to eat the lower-quality material or go hungry.
How much hay do I need for winter?
Now, that you have taken hay waste into consideration you are ready to calculate how much hay you will need to buy this winter. Horses should consume 2% of their body weight in hay. For example, a mature 1,000 pound horse should consume 20 pounds of hay per day.
How many square bales of hay does a cow eat per day?
A 1200-pound cow, ready for processing, will require 36 pounds of forage per day based on the formula used here. Thirty-six pounds of hay is close to one small square bale of hay per day, taking into consideration some waste.
How many flakes of hay is 20 lbs?
When we calculated his old diet, each flake of hay averaged 5 pounds each. That was how we determined 4 flakes would reach the 2% or 20 pound feed rate.
How much hay does a cow eat in a year?
The dry cow will consume 26.4 pounds/day of average quality grass hay on a 100% dry matter basis. However, the hay is actually 90% dry matter which means that the cow will consume 29.3 pounds on an “as-fed” basis.
How do you keep cows from wasting hay?
Most cattle farmers experience waste due to improper feeding practices and poor storage techniques. Fortunately, wasting hay can easily be eliminated by the use of a hay feeder. A hay feeder can come in the form of a hay ring and certain variations.
What is the most efficient way to feed cows hay?
Processing or grinding hay is the most efficient method for limit-feeding, but rolling out bales on frozen ground is also an option. Monitor body condition scores and adjust feed accordingly to maintain cows at a body condition of 5/9 and heifers at a body condition of 6/9.
What is the best hay for cows?
Most experts recommend mixing alfalfa with grass hay, rather than relying exclusively on alfalfa hay. Alfalfa hay is often recommended for dairy cattle, but may not be a good fit for beef cattle, since it can lead to bloat. Legume hay is another nutritious option for cattle, since it’s high in protein.
How much hay is in a round bale?
Most modern round balers will make a bale that is between nine and twelve pounds of Dry Matter per cubic foot.
Are cows a tax write off?
Dairy cows and breeding cattle can be depreciated. Cattle that are just held for resale are not depreciated. Depreciable cattle can be written off over five years or even one year using bonus depreciation or the Section 179 deduction.
Can you leave a bull with cows year round?
The good news is: It is possible to leave bulls with the cows year-round and still maintain a calving season of three months or less.
What is the cheapest way to feed cattle?
“Corn residue is one of the lowest cost forages on a cost per pound of energy. That’s why mixing a high energy and protein feed like distillers’ grains with a low quality forage like corn stalks is so cost effective. Distillers’ is often a low-cost source of both energy and protein.
Can cows eat too much hay?
If the nutrient concentration is such that it meets the cow’s requirements, cows with unlimited access to this high quality hay, will eat more than they need. Over-eating a forage will likely not hurt the cow, but will increase feed costs. Cows over-eating grains is not a good situation.
How many cows do you need to make a living?
As a very rough estimate, anecdotal evidence suggests that around 70 dairy cattle or 150 beef cattle is enough to earn a full-time living from farming, although many farmers have several income streams and are not solely reliant on cows.
