Hay Waste Research Articles

Effect of hay nets on horse bodyweight, body condition score, hay usage, and dental health in mature adult horses

Hay nets are a commonly used management practice to increase intake time and reduce hay waste but may impact horse health. The objectives were to compare hay usage, dental wear, and dental conditions between horses fed with (NET) or without (CON) hay nets during a 2-year cross-over study. In September 2021, 13 mature adult horses were blocked by bodyweight (BW) and randomly assigned to the NET or CON treatments for one year. After one year (September 2022), horses switched treatments and the trial concluded in September 2023. Horses were housed in adjacent dry lots with shelter, ad libitum water, and free choice access to round bales with or without hay nets (4.45 cm openings). Blinded dental work, including incisor length measurements and recording of dental abnormalities and conditions, and recording of horse BW and body condition score (BCS) were completed in September 2021, 2022, and 2023. Digital images were taken monthly to determine rostral oral cavity scores (ROCS). Round bales were weighed prior to being placed in the dry lot and the date fed was recorded to calculate hay usage. Significance was set at P≤0.05. Horse BW, BCS, and hay usage were greater in horses consuming hay without hay nets (P<0.05). No differences were observed in incisor length, presence of incisor bevels, ROCS, or dental abnormalities and conditions (P>0.05). These data suggest that hay nets do not result in negative impacts on dental health but can reduce hay usage and help to control horse BW and BCS.

114 Hay buying and feeding practices among Pennsylvania horse owners

Existing data on the equine hay market and buying preferences in Pennsylvania (PA) is outdated and not statewide. More recent data is needed to inform those who advise horse owners on hay and nutrition. The objective of this project was to characterize the practices and attitudes of PA horse hay buyers. An online survey was advertised via e-mail lists, social media, and print advertisements. It received 435 total responses (of these, 346 were complete responses) from PA horse hay buyers from October 2021 to February 2022. Data presented (descriptive statistics) represents the percentage of respondents answering that question. Most (76%) respondents were in the recreational sector of the horse industry and the majority (62%) purchased hay for 2–5 horses. Small square bales (2-string) were the most commonly purchased (93%), and most respondents bought their hay exclusively by the bale (75%) rather than exclusively by the ton (4%) or either (21%). For those who did not purchase large bales (round or square), the most common reason was not being able to transport or handle them (70%), followed by not having adequate storage (60%). Horse owners were most likely to buy hay directly from local farmers (90%) than any other source. They were more likely to exclusively pick up their hay than to require delivery, while some would consider either (40, 33, and 26%, respectively). The 3 most popular hay species were mixed grasses (64%),orchardgrass (38%), and timothy (35%). Buyers slightly preferred second or later cuttings to first cutting or did not care about cutting (53, 43, and 30%, respectively). Most (47%) believed that second or later cuttings were higher quality than first cutting, but 38% believed that all cuttings can be high-quality. The top 3 most important factors when purchasing hay were absence of mold, absence of weeds, and smell (rated “very important” by 98, 53, and 52% of respondents, respectively). Most respondents did not use hay feeders in stalls or outside (38 and 50%, respectively). Those who did use hay feeders used them primarily to reduce hay waste (56%). Most hay buyers (63%) never have their hay analyzed for nutrient content, but those that are interested in testing hay report wanting to balance the horse's diet around the forage quality and to check certain nutrients for specific health concerns (37 and 34%, respectively). To get answers to hay-related questions, most respondents ask hay producers or veterinarians (25 and 22%, respectively). The data collected from this survey can help hay producers understand buying practices of horse owners and help equine nutritionists identify areas of need for horse owner education about hay.

64 A preliminary study: Effect of hay nets on horse hay usage, dental wear, and dental conditions in mature adult horses

Hay nets are a commonly used management practice to decrease intake rate and reduce hay waste but can create unnatural foraging conditions that may impact horse health. The objectives of this study were to compare hay usage, dental wear, and dental conditions between horses fed with or without hay nets. Researchers hypothesized horses consuming hay from hay nets would use less hay and have no differences in dental health compared with horses fed without hay nets. In September 2021, 13 mature adult horses were blocked by bodyweight (BW) and randomly assigned to a hay net or no hay net treatment for one year. Horses were housed in adjacent dry lots with shelter, ad libitum water, and free choice access to grass round bales with or without hay nets (4.45cm openings) depending on assigned treatment. Blinded dental work was completed for all horses by an equine veterinarian and dentist in September 2021 (baseline) and 2022 (conclusion of year 1, start of year 2) and included measurements of incisor and canine lengths and recordings of dental conditions before and after dental work. After dental work in 2022, horse groups switched treatments. Horse BW, body condition score (BCS), and softtissue damage on their gums or lips were assessed and recorded monthly. Round bales were weighed before being placed in the dry lot and the date fed was recorded to calculate hay usage (intake and waste). Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Horse BW, BCS, and hay usage were greater in horses consuming hay without hay nets (P ≤ 0.05). When pre- and post-length of incisors were evaluated, no differences were observed between treatments (P > 0.05). Incisor length between 2021 and 2022 increased by 3.77 and 3.19mm for horses feeding from no hay net and a net, respectively. Presence of incisor bevels after one year and notation of monthly soft tissue damage did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). These preliminary data suggest that hay nets do not result in negative impacts on dental health over one year but can significantly reduce hay usage and help control horse BW. This study is ongoing and will be completed in September 2023.

Short Communication: Round bale hay net effects on agonistic behaviors of group fed horses

Hay nets are often used while feeding horses in order to reduce hay waste and slow consumption. While feeder style affected agonistic behavior in group fed horses in prior studies, little work has evaluated the effect of round bale hay nets on horse aggression. Fifteen horses were split into three groups (n = 5 per group), balanced for sex and age. Following a two-week acclimation to pastures and groups, horses were evaluated over three weeks using a 3×3 Latin Square experimental design. Horses were given a round bale within a ring feeder (B&W Farm and Ranch, Humboldt, KS) via each treatment for one week: (1) without a hay net (no net; control), (2) surrounded with a hay net with small diameter openings (small opening; 4.445 cm diameter; Texas Haynet, LLC. Tulepo, MS) or (3) surrounded with a hay net with large diameter openings (large opening; 7.62 cm diameter, Texas Haynet, LLC. Tulepo, MS). Horse behavior around the feeder was recorded and video was continuously analyzed from 0800 to 1100 hours twice per week during the three treatment weeks. Agonistic threats (head threats and kick threats), aggression (bite, kick, chase), and avoidance behavior of horses within a 3 m x 3 m area surrounding the feeder were recorded. The total frequency of agonistic threats was greater in horses fed using the small opening net compared to the large opening net or no net (P ≤ 0.026). No difference in total frequency of agonistic threats between the large opening net and no net were observed (P = 0.908). Net provision or opening size did not affect the total frequency of aggressive behaviors observed (P = 0.187). Frequency of avoidance behavior was greater in horses fed using the small opening net compared to no net (P = 0.005) but did not differ from avoidance frequency of large opening nets (P = 0.173). No difference in avoidance frequency was observed between large opening or no net treatments (P = 0.114). In conclusion, horses fed using round bale hay nets with small openings were observed to have increased agonistic threats and avoidance behavior. Therefore, round bale hay nets with large openings may be a better choice for group fed horses.

Effects of bale feeder design on hay waste, intake, and apparent diet digestibility in gestating beef cows.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of feeder design on hay intake, apparent diet digestibility, and hay waste in gestating beef cows. Native tallgrass prairie hay and a protein supplement was fed throughout both experiments. In Exp. 1, 56 crossbred cows were used in a Latin square arrangement. Feeder design treatments included a conventional open bottom steel ring (OBSR), an open bottom polyethylene pipe ring (POLY); a sheeted bottom steel ring (RING), and a sheeted bottom steel ring with a basket (BASK). Cows were weighed and allotted based on BW to one of four previously grazed 2.0 ha paddocks equipped with a concrete feeding pad. Fourteen cows were assigned to each paddock and three round bales were fed consecutively within each treatment period. The cows acclimated to the feeders while the first bale was being consumed. Subsequently, hay waste data were collected while the second and third bale within each period were being consumed. Waste was measured for each bale at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after each bale was introduced into the pen. Hay waste was significantly affected by hay feeder design with 19.7, 21.1, 12.4, and 5.5% of original bale weight wasted for OBSR, POLY, RING, and BASK, respectively (P < 0.01). There was a feeder design × day interaction (P < 0.01) with greater waste when the bale was first introduced into the pen in OBSR, POLY, and RING feeders and gradually declining thereafter, while waste from the BASK feeder was consistently low. There was a tendency (P = 0.06) for cows eating from OBSR feeders to consume less hay than cows eating from RING feeders. Feeder design did not influence apparent diet digestibility (P = 0.46). In Exp. 2, 64 crossbred cows (body weight = 590 ± 59 kg) were used to determine waste, forage intake, and apparent diet digestibility when hay was fed from a sheeted bottom steel ring (RING) or a RING feeder with a cone insert (CONE). More hay was wasted when cows were fed from RING feeders compared to CONE feeders (11.9% vs. 4.8%, P < 0.01). Feeder design had no effect on DMI or apparent digestibility (P > 0.45). Hay savings from adopting a more conservative feeder design can have a dramatic influence on hay utilization by beef cows and thus on cost of production.

Influence of hay feeding method, supplement moisture, or access time on intake and waste by beef cows

Experiments were performed to determine the effects of feeding method and hay processing (Experiment 1), energy supplement moisture content and feeding method (Experiment 2), and access time to hay (Experiment 3) on cow body weight (BW), dry matter intake (DMI), and hay or energy supplement intake and waste. Experiment 1 was designed as a 4 × 4 Latin Square using 48 multiparous, late-gestating, Angus cows (626 kg initial BW). Cows were stratified by age and BW into four treatment groups (n = 12 cows/group); treatment groups were then initially assigned randomly to treatments in a sequence of preset Latin Square periods. In Experiment 1, round bales were processed and delivered on the pen surface or in a bunk, or left unprocessed and delivered in a hay ring or rolled out on the pen surface. Experiment 2 was designed as a 6 × 6 Latin Square utilizing 54 multiparous, late-gestating, Angus cows (616 kg initial BW). Cows were stratified by age and BW into treatment groups (n = 9 cows/group); treatment groups were then initially assigned randomly to treatments in a sequence of preset Latin Square periods. In Experiment 2, corn screenings (CS) or wet beet pulp (BP) were fed in a structure (inverted tire or bunk) or BP only on the pen surface. Experiment 3 was designed as a replicated 3 × 3 Latin Square utilizing 24 multiparous, late-gestating, Angus cows (584 kg initial BW). Cows were stratified by age and BW into treatment groups (n = 8 cows/group); treatment groups were then initially assigned randomly to treatments in a sequence of preset Latin Square periods. In Experiment 3, cows were permitted access to round-bales in a hay ring for 6, 14, or 24 h. In Experiment 1, hay DMI was not affected (P ≥ 0.579). Hay waste was greater (P ≤ 0.007) when hay, processed or not, was fed on the pen surface. In Experiment 2, hay DMI was greatest (P ≤ 0.011) for cows fed no supplement and those fed CS in a bunk. Feeding BP in a bunk led to the greatest (P ≤ 0.003) hay waste. In Experiment 3, cows permitted 6-h access consumed and wasted less (P < 0.001) hay compared with those permitted longer access; BW was unaffected (P ≥ 0.870). In these experiments, cows fed hay on the pen surface, processed or not, achieved similar DMI as those fed in a ring or bunk, but wasted more hay. Delivering BP in a bunk or on the pen surface increased hay and supplement waste, respectively. Controlling access to hay reduced DMI and waste while maintaining cow BW.

Dry Matter Intake, Body Weight, and Body Condition Scores of Blanketed and Nonblanketed Horses in the Upper Midwest

Thermoregulation is an energy-expensive process, which can be mitigated by blanketing horses in cold climates, potentially preventing weight loss or leading to decreased feed intake. The objective of this study was to evaluate feed intake, body weight (BW), and body condition scores (BCSs) in blanketed and nonblanketed horses. In October 2019, 16 mature adult horses were blocked by breed and BCS and randomly assigned to a blanketed (n = 8) or nonblanketed (n = 8) treatment; blankets were placed. Data were collected in December 2019 and January 2020 in River Falls, Wisconsin. During the study, horses were housed in dry lots and fed grass-legume mixed round bales. At the start of each trial period, BW and BCSs of horses were taken, hay cores were taken for nutritive analysis, and hay bales were weighed. Hay waste was collected daily, and when hay could no longer be consumed ad libitum, the remaining hay was removed from both pens (orts) and new bales were fed. Hay waste and orts were dried and daily dry matter intake was estimated as the difference between hay provided minus hay waste and orts during the trial period divided by the total BW of the pen. The average bale weight, forage nutritive value, BW, and BCS did not differ across treatment groups (P ≥ .05). However, the daily dry matter intake differed (P ≤ .05) at 2.31% BW for blanketed horses and 2.51% BW for nonblanketed horses. These results suggest blanketed horses conserve energy leading to decreased feed intake.

Forage quality and beef cow preference is affected by wrap type of conventional and reduced-lignin alfalfa round bales stored outdoors.

Storing hay outdoors can result in detrimental changes in forage quality. Additionally, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivar may influence dry matter intake (DMI) and hay waste when feeding livestock. The objectives were to determine the effects of conventional or reduced-lignin alfalfa round bales stored outdoors and wrapped with plastic twine, net wrap, or B-Wrap on forage quality, beef cow preference, and hay waste. Round bales made from reduced-lignin (n = 12) or conventional (n = 12) alfalfa cultivars were baled and stored outdoors for 16 mo. Within each cultivar, four bale replicates were bound with plastic twine, net wrap, or B-Wrap. After storage, bales were fed in a switchback design with period confounded with alfalfa cultivar to 18 lactating Angus cows (Bos Taurus L.). The pairs had ad libitum access to three round-bale feeders where bales of each wrap type were placed for eight 48 h periods. Position of round bale wrap type was rotated according to a Latin Square arrangement. Bales were weighed and waste surrounding each feeder was collected at 24 and 48 h to calculate DMI and hay waste. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Alfalfa cultivar did not impact any of the response variables (P > 0.05). At feeding, round bales wrapped in net wrap had greater (P < 0.015) moisture content (16.4%) compared with those wrapped with B-Wrap (12.8%). Neutral detergent fiber was lower (P = 0.03) in bales wrapped in B-Wrap (46%) compared with twine-tied bales (49%) while net wrapped bales were not different. Total digestible nutrients (P = 0.02), and relative feed value (P = 0.04) were lower in twine-tied bales compared with B-Wrap while net wrapped bales were not different. Twine (7.1 × 106 colony forming units [CFU]/g) and net wrap (4.7 × 106 CFU/g) bales had greater (P < 0.0001) mold counts than B-Wrap bales (4.8 × 104 CFU/g), while concentrations of other forage components and yeast counts were not different among wrap types (P > 0.05). Total DMI, and DMI during the first 24 h, were greater (P ≤ 0.032) for B-Wrap bales compared to twine-tied bales indicating preference for hay wrapped in B-Wrap; net wrapped bales were not different. Dry matter intake in the first 24 h was negatively associated with the mold count (r = −0.52; P = 0.02), and hay waste was not affected by wrap type (P > 0.05). These results confirm that wrap type affected forage quality and mold counts, which in turn influenced beef cattle preference of round bales stored outdoors.

Effect of treated sewage effluent by different material and Levels of Organic matter on growth of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.)

The study was conducted at the College of Agriculture-University of Anbar during the autumn of 2013 to study the effect of treated sewage effluent by decomposed hay waste and Rock phosphate on growth of Barley. The study included four quality of irrigation water (w): fresh water (w1) sewage effluent treated by decomposed hay waste (w2), treated by Rock phosphate (w3) and untreated sewage effluent (w4). Second factor is poultry manure levels: (O0) no added, (O1) 10 mt ha-1 , (O2) 20 mt ha-1, (O3) 30 mt ha-1 with three replication using (RCBD). At end of the experiment, dry weight and plant heights were measured, in addition to concentrations of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd and Pb for Barley seeds. Results showed a significant increase in shoot dry weight and plant heights with treated sewage by decomposed hay waste and Rock phosphate with values 50.44, 46.70 gm and 54.0, 50.58 cm respectively compared with fresh water and untreated water and increase in shoot dry weight and plant heights with levels of poultry manure. Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, Pb concentrations decrease in Barley seeds with irrigated sewage treated by decomposed hay waste and treated by Rock phosphate, with 41.35, 31.0, 11.09, 1.31, 0.275, 0.621 mg kg-1 and 40.84, 29.5, 10.95, 1.30, 0.295, 0.635 mg.kg-1respectively. Compared with untreated sewage water and increasing of poultry manure levels resulted in increase of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu concentration in Barley seeds giving 43.34, 33.40, 11.75, 1.63 mg kg-1 respectively compared with control , while concentration Cd, Pb decrease with poultry manure addition.

Effect of bale feeder and forage on hay waste, disappearance, and sorting

ABSTRACT Three feeders and 2 forage types were used in a 3 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement within a Latin-square design to evaluate forage feeding waste. A total of 48 spring-calving, gestating cows were stratified by age, BW, and BCS into 6 replicate pens with 8 cows per pen. Bale feeders evaluated were open ring with slanted feeding stations (OFD), sheeted lower section with slanted feeding stations and tapered sides (TFD), and sheeted lower and upper sections with straight feeding stations and a chain cone (CFD). Forages were alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) haylage (AH) or tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) hay (FH). A forage × feeder type interaction (P 0.10) from AH OFD (7.0%) or AH CFD (6.5%) but was greater than AH TFD (4.9%; P 0.10) was observed for percentage AH waste due to day or feeder. Fescue-hay waste was least (P

The Effect of Small Square-Bale Feeder Design on Hay Waste and Economics During Outdoor Feeding of Adult Horses

Hay waste during feeding represents a costly expense for horse owners. The objectives of this study were to determine hay waste, herd body weight (BW) change, hay intake, and economics of small square-bale feeders used in outdoor feeding of horses. Feeder designs included a hayrack, slat feeder, basket feeder, and a no-feeder control. Feeders were placed in separate outdoor dirt paddocks. Twelve horses were divided into four groups and rotated through the paddocks in a Latin square design. Horses were weighed before and after each rotation. Horses were fed grass hay at 2.5% of the herd BW split evenly at 8 AM and 4 PM. Waste hay and orts were collected before each feeding. The number of months to repay the feeder cost (payback) was calculated using hay valued at $250 per ton and improved efficiency over the no-feeder control. Mean hay waste was 13%, 5%, 3%, and 1% for the no-feeder control, hayrack, basket feeder, and slat feeder, respectively (P < .001). The hayrack, basket feeder, and slat feeder paid for themselves in 12, 11, and 9 months, respectively (P = .0049). Herds gained 10 and 7 kg when feeding from the basket feeder and hayrack, and lost 3 and 11 kg when feeding from the slat feeder and no-feeder control (P ≤ .0015). Estimated hay intake was 2.4% BW for the basket feeder and hayrack and 2.2% BW for the slat feeder and no-feeder control (P < .0001). Small square-bale feeder design affected hay waste, hay intake, herd BW change, and payback.

Round-bale feeder design affects hay waste and economics during horse feeding1,2

Many horse owners find round bales convenient, less labor intensive, and more affordable than other hay types, but report an inability to control horse BW gain and excessive hay waste. The objectives were to compare hay waste, hay intake, and payback of 9 round-bale feeders and a no-feeder control when used during horse feeding. Nine round-bale feeders were tested: Cinch Net, Cone, Covered Cradle, Hayhut, Hay Sleigh, Ring, Tombstone, Tombstone Saver, and Waste Less. Each feeder design was placed on the ground in a dirt paddock. Five groups of 5 horses were fed in rotation for a 4-d period with each feeder. Every fourth day, groups were rotated among paddocks and a new round bale was placed in each feeder. In the 5 paddocks used, 5 feeders were installed for d 1 through 20, and the remaining 4 feeders and no-feeder control were installed for d 21 through 40. Groups of horses were sequentially assigned to feeders using two 5 × 5 Latin squares, the first for d 1 through 20, the second for d 21 through 40. Horse groups of similar age, BW, breed, and sex were formed from 25 Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred geldings and open mares (means: 11 yr; 541 kg of BW). Hay on the ground surrounding the feeder was collected daily, dried, and weighed. The total amount of hay removed around each feeder for a 4-d period was considered waste. Dry matter intake was estimated as the difference between hay disappearance and waste. Number of months for the reduction in waste to repay feeder cost (payback) were calculated using hay valued at $110/t, and improved feeder efficiency over the control. Feeder design did not affect hay intake (P > 0.05); all feeders resulted in an estimated hay intake of 2.0 to 2.4% BW; the no-feeder control resulted in a reduced intake of 1.3% BW (P = 0.001). Mean percentage of hay waste differed among feeders (P < 0.001): Waste Less, 5%; Cinch Net, 6%; Hayhut, 9%; Covered Cradle, 11%; Tombstone Saver, 13%; Tombstone, Cone, and Ring, 19%; Hay Sleigh, 33%; and no-feeder control, 57%. Feeder design also affected payback (P < 0.01). The Cinch Net paid for itself in less than 1 mo; Tombstone and Ring, 2 mo; Hayhut and Tombstone Saver, 4 mo; Hay Sleigh, 5 mo; Waste Less, 8 mo; Cone, 9 mo; and Covered Cradle, 20 mo. Round-bale feeder design affected hay waste and payback, but not estimated hay intake or BW change during horse feeding.

Round-Bale Feeder Design Affects Hay Waste and Economics During Horse Feeding

Round-Bale Feeder Design Affects Hay Waste and Economics During Horse Feeding

Restricting Time of Access to Large Round Bales of Hay Affects Hay Waste and Cow Performance

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> Simmental cows in the third trimester of gestation were used in 2 trials to determine the effects of time-restricted access to large round bales on cow performance and hay disappearance. In trial 1, high-quality (127 relative feed value) hay was fed ad libitum (no time restriction) or access-restricted to 9, 6, or 3 h/d. In trial 2, average-quality (96 relative feed value) hay was fed ad libitum or access-restricted to 9 or 6 h/d. In both trials, 72 cows were blocked by BW and assigned to 12 pens resulting in 6 cows per pen and 3 or 4 pens per treatment. Each pen had adequate bunk space for 7 cows, and time was limited by gates that prevented access to feeders. Results of trial 1 indicated cows on all treatments gained BW with a linear (P < 0.01) and quadratic (P = 0.03) treatment effect favoring increased time of access. As time of access increased, hay disappearance increased linearly (P < 0.01) and quadratically (P < 0.01), as did manure production, both linearly (P = 0.002) and qua-dratically (P = 0.07). Hay waste increased linearly (P = 0.009) with increasing time of access. In trial 2, BW gains were not different across treatments. Hay disappearance, manure production, and fecal output all increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing time of access. In both trials, N, P, and K outputs followed the trend ofmanure output and increased linearly with increasing time of access. Restricting time of access to large round bales of hay reduced hay disappearance while maintaining acceptable levels of cow performance.

Effect of Hay Feeding Methods on Cow Performance, Hay Waste, and Wintering Cost

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> A 3-yr investigation was conducted to determine the effect of hay feeding methods on cow wintering cost. A conventional method of rolling round bales out on the ground was compared with shredding round hay bales on the ground with a bale processor and with feeding hay in a tapered-cone round bale feeder. The cows used in the study were in the third trimester of pregnancy and were fed for an average of 59 d during the test period. Data recorded from the multipleyear study was then used to prepare an economic analysis model with operating budgets for 100- and 300-head reference herds. Feeding bales in a tapered-cone round bale feeder increased cow weight gain (P < 0.01), tended to increase rib fat depth (P = 0.06), reduced estimated hay consumption by an average of 10.2% compared with rolling bales out on the ground or using a bale processor to shred hay on the ground (P < 0.01), and reduced hay waste in the first 2yr of the study when alfalfa-grass hay was fed, but not in the last year when oat hay was fed. The tapered-cone round bale feeder reduced waste, decreased the amount of hay required per cow, and decreased wintering cost per cow while maintaining body condition. Overall, for the 3yr evaluation period, using the tapered-cone round bale feeder reduced wintering cost by 21.0% for a 100-cow reference herd and 17.6% for a 300-cow reference herd compared with feeding with a bale processor.

Restricting Intake of Forages: An Alternative Feeding Strategy for Wintering Beef Cows

AbstractIn Experiment 1, 72 Simmental cows with calves were used to evaluate restricting time of access to high quality hay stored inside. Four replications were used to evaluate three treatments relative to access to hay: restricted to 4, 8, or 24 h/d. Final cow BW (P=0.06) tended to be heavier as hay access times increased. Calf performance did not differ. Manure production (kg DM/d per head) increased (P=0.002) with increasing access to hay. Nitrogen disappearance (kg/d per head) increased linearly (P=0.01) and quadratically (P=0.02) with increasing access to hay. In Experiment 2, 72 Simmental cows in the third trimester of gestation were used to evaluate four treatments: ground hay (7.6-cm screen) fed to meet 90% of NRC (1996) recommendations for maintenance and access to hay restricted to 3, 5, or 7 h/d. Cows on all treatments in this experiment were fed average quality hay that was stored outside. Cow BW change increased linearly (P=0.04) with increasing time allowances. Manure production (kg DM/d per head) tended to increase linearly (P= 0.08) as access time increased. In Experiment 3, 108 Simmental cows with calves were used to evaluate three feeding levels of ground hay: [100, 90, or 80% of NRC (1996) requirements for maintenance]. No differences in cow performance, calf BW gain, or manure production were observed. Amounts of N (P= 0.11) and P (P=0.09) in the manure (kg/ d per head) tended to be reduced with restricted intake. These results indicate that restricting intake of at least average quality forages results in a desirable level of cow performance and reduces hay waste, manure production, and manure nutrient output.

Large round bale feeder design affects hay utilization and beef cow behavior.

One hundred sixty beef cows (631 +/- 78 kg) were used to evaluate the quantity of hay loss and feeding behaviors from different round bale feeders. Twenty cows were allotted by weight and body condition score to one of eight pens with four feeder designs: cone, ring, trailer, or cradle. All feeder types provided approximately 37 cm of linear feeder space per animal. Alfalfa and orchardgrass round bales were weighed and sampled before feeding. Hay that fell onto the concrete surrounding the feeder was considered waste and was collected and sampled daily. At the end of a 7-d period, each feeder type was assigned to a different pen for a second 7-d period. On four consecutive days in each period, animal behavior was recorded using a time-lapse video system. Data were collected from 5-min observational intervals from the video tapes every 0.5 h each day. Feeder access, occupancy rate, and occurrence of agonistic interactions were recorded. Dry matter hay waste was 3.5, 6.1, 11.4, and 14.6% for the cone, ring, trailer, and cradle feeders, respectively. Calculated dry matter intake of hay ranged from 1.8 to 2.0% of body weight and was not different among feeder type (P < 0.05). Percentage of organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and crude protein were all lower and acid detergent lignin was higher in the recovered waste compared to the hay fed (P < 0.05). Cows feeding from the cradle feeder had nearly three times the agonistic interactions and four times the frequency of entrances compared to cows feeding from the other feeder types (P < 0.05). Feed losses were positively correlated with agonistic interactions, frequency of regular and irregular entrances, and feeder occupancy rate (P < 0.05). Agonistic interactions by cows and frequency of feeder entrances differed among feeders and were correlated to feeder design induced feed losses.