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Reduce Losses When Feeding Hay
By
Laura Skillman
PRINCETON, Ky., (Oct. 17, 2007) – This winter, hay supplies will
be extremely tight on most farms across the state. The 2007
spring freeze followed by prolonged drought led to a 30 to 50
percent reduction in hay production in the state this year.
Therefore, it is important not to waste this valuable commodity
when feeding it to cattle.
Reducing hay losses during feeding decreases waste, so cattle
consume most of it, said Garry Lacefield, forage specialist with
the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Hay losses
can be the result of trampling, leaf shatter, chemical and
physical deterioration, fecal contamination and simply the
animal’s refusal to eat it.
Feeding losses in various research trials have ranged from less
than 2 percent to more than 60 percent where no attempts were
made to reduce loss. With an already reduced yield, farmers
cannot afford to let their hay be reduced to rubbish, Lacefield
said.
“Remember, too, when you lose hay you are also losing money,” he
said. “It does not matter whether you baled it yourself or
purchased the hay, there is a cost involved with hay
production.”
With some simple changes, feeding losses of three to six percent
are quite common and acceptable for most conservative feeding
programs, although the lower levels are associated with feeding
programs requiring high labor and daily feeding.
Large round bales are the preferred choice for most cattle
producers in Kentucky. One easy way to help reduce losses is to
use hay rings or racks with large round bales. The rings limit
access to the hay and can help reduce loss by keeping cattle
from trampling and bedding down in the hay. Be sure to provide
enough rings to accommodate the number of animals feeding and
have the animals clean up the majority of the hay before
providing more.
Producers should avoid feeding in areas of excessive mud which
can cause waste and are hard on the animals. Hay feeding areas
can be constructed by putting rock over geotextile fabric. Cost
share programs are available to aid in construction. There is
still time to build a feeding area before winter and information
is available through the local office of the U.S. Natural
Resources Conservation Service.
Storage options can also impact the amount of hay your cattle
will ultimately consume. Bales stored outside will degrade
quickly and result in less hay available than bales stored under
roof. Feed bales in outside storage first to reduce excessive
loss.
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Contact: Garry Lacefield, 270-365-7541, ext. 202
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