What is the largest expense in cattle feeding?
1. Corn Residue and Cover Crops. Feed costs are inevitably the greatest cost to maintain a cow. Properly feeding breeding stock is important, as they are the long-term profitability of the herd.
Introduction
Red Angus cattle are one of the most popular breeds of cattle in the United States, known for their hardiness and adaptability. They make great additions to any ranch, but can be expensive to feed and care for. There are, however, cost-effective strategies for feedings Red Angus cattle that can help ranchers keep their feed costs down while still providing their cattle with the nutrition they need to thrive.
Maximize Forage in Feed
One of the most cost-effective strategies for feeding Red Angus cattle is to maximize forage in the feed. Forage, such as hay or grass, is an excellent source of nutrition for cattle and is usually much cheaper than other types of feed. As such, it makes sense to try and incorporate as much forage as possible into the diet of Red Angus cattle. This can be done by providing hay and grass to cattle in addition to other types of feed, or by purchasing hay or grass-based feed.
Optimize Water Source
It’s also important to optimize the water source for Red Angus cattle in order to ensure they are receiving adequate amounts of hydration. Cattle that are not adequately hydrated are prone to health issues and decreased productivity, so it’s important to ensure that they have access to clean water at all times. This can be accomplished by installing grazing tanks or other automated water sources, or by establishing a clear and reliable water delivery system.
Research Inexpensive Feed Sources
Another cost-effective strategy for feeding Red Angus cattle is to research inexpensive feed sources. While hay and grass are usually much cheaper than other types of feed, there are still other options out there that can be less expensive. For example, many farmers are finding success with purchasing low-cost pellets or supplement products to add to the feed, while others are purchasing bulk feed in order to receive a lower price per pound.
Structure Feeding Routine
Finally, it’s important to structure the feeding routine for Red Angus cattle in order to ensure maximum efficiency. Establishing a solid routine for when, how much, and what type of feed is provided to the cattle is key in making sure they are receiving the nutrition they need, while also helping to ensure feed costs are kept under control.
Conclusion
Feeding Red Angus cattle doesn’t have to be expensive. By implementing the strategies mentioned above, you can help keep your feed costs down while still providing your cattle with the nutrition they need to thrive. With the right strategies and commitment, you can ensure that your Red Angus cattle stay healthy without breaking the bank.
Feeding red Angus cattle is both necessary and complex. It requires an understanding of their unique dietary needs and an ability to easily budget for expected costs. Farms can maximize their resources and create cost-effective strategies for their red Angus by following these four key tips.
First, focus on forage-based diets. Many farms take the approach of providing their red Angus with access to forage before providing any concentrate feed. Forage-based diets are often more cost-effective because they rely on existing resources, such as grazing land, rather than purchasing expensive concentrate feeds. By taking full advantage of existing resources, farmers are able to reduce feed costs while still providing a well-balanced diet.
Second, consider ration formulation. If a farm is unable to access sufficient forage, ration formulation is a cost-effective approach to providing the necessary nutrients to their red Angus. By utilizing diet formulation software and taking into account the size, age, and feed requirements of their herd, farmers are able to create ration formulations that provide the nutrients their red Angus need without having to purchase expensive concentrate feeds.
Third, purchase feed in bulk. Purchasing feed in bulk is a great way for farmers to save money on feed expenses for their red Angus. Many feed suppliers offer discounts or incentives for large purchases, allowing farms to purchase feed at a lower cost. Additionally, bulk feed purchase helps farms minimize the risk of shortages or price increases due to market fluctuations.
Finally, take advantage of technology. There are many digital tools and technologies that can help farmers manage and monitor their red Angus’ diets. These tools can help farmers track consumption, create ration formulations, and even automate feeding schedules, allowing for greater efficiency and cost savings.
In conclusion, these four strategies are important for any farm looking to optimize their red Angus feeding program without sacrificing nutrition or incurring high costs. By focusing on forage-based diets, utilizing ration formulation, purchasing feed in bulk, and taking advantage of technology, farmers are able to create an effective and cost-efficient feeding program that benefits their herd.
