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Feed Waste Management
 
 
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As feed costs rise, the issue of feed wastage becomes more important in livestock operations. There are two main types of feed wastage. One is feed that is stored, but not delivered or consumed by the animal. The second is feed that is delivered, but does not match the animals' needs. Here are some quick points to consider regarding each type. 
Physical feed wastage
* Your wastage goal should be less than 5 per cent. 
* Examine your current feeding equipment and consider modifying or replacing it to improve efficiency. 
* Increase feeder space per animal to decrease spillage by having less feed in each feeder. 
* Pencil out the value of efficient feeders (or feed bunks). For example, if your feed cost per cow per day is $1.00 and your goal is to decrease waste by 5 per cent, attaining this target will save 5 cents/cow/day. Over a 250-day feeding season, this figure amounts to $12.50/cow. If you budget 15 cows/feeder, this total works out to $187.50/feeder. 
* Seriously question your feeding losses if you feed on the ground.
Examine your feed storage system. Consider tarps, plastic covering, feed storage inoculants, location, etc.

Match feed to livestock type and needs

These points are a must to your operation at any time and need to be part of your feed management plan.
* Feed test 
* Balance all rations 
* Monitor all classes of livestock rations weekly, if not daily 
* Monitor livestock condition 
* Utilize a professional nutritionist 
* For beef cattle, purchase and use the computerized ration-balancing program Cowbytes.
For more information, contact:
Alberta Ag-Info Centre at 1-866-882-7677

Prepared by:
Rod Carlyon
Business Development Officer,
Westlock 
Source: Agdex 420/54-1. Revised July 2004.
 
 

 
 
For more information about the content of this document, contact Rod Carlyon.
This document is maintained by Ada Serafinchon.
This information published to the web on July 1, 2004. 
 


 
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