How to prepare for winter livestock feeding

By Blake Jackson

Winter feeding plans should be reviewed now, says Eric Meusch, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist.

“Forage growth has come to an end, so making sure producers have what they need to feed their livestock through the winter is important,” he advises. He highlights three key steps to prepare effectively.

Calculate Animal Needs

Understanding your livestock’s feed requirements is critical. Cows typically consume about 3% of their body weight in dry matter daily.

Lactating cows, young calves, sheep, goats, and horses might require more. For instance, a 1,000-pound cow will need approximately 30 pounds of dry matter each day. With hay at 85% dry matter, this equals 35 pounds of hay daily.

“For 50 cows weighing 1,300 pounds each, they would need about 2,300 pounds of hay per day,” Meusch explains. Over a 99-day winter feeding period, these cows would consume nearly 114 tons of hay.

Factoring in 20% waste due to handling and storage, a total of 137 tons would be necessary. Adjustments can be made for different livestock types and sizes, ensuring enough feed is on hand.

Evaluate Forage Inventory

Once needs are estimated, assess your available forage. Determine how many days of grazing are possible before switching to hay feeding.

Hay bale weights can vary significantly based on density. For example, 137 tons could require 365 bales weighing 750 pounds each or 288 bales at 950 pounds.

Plan for Supplements

Stockpiled fescue pasture often meets livestock needs if grazing is adequate. However, hay quality can vary, making supplementation crucial.

Testing hay allows producers to identify nutrient gaps. “If our hay is 55% TDN (total digestible nutrients), we would need to provide a higher-energy supplement to make up for what the hay is lacking,” says Meusch.

Managing winter feed costs is easier with proper grazing practices. “The more days animals graze, the more producers can reduce the need for hay and supplements,” Meusch notes.

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