Welcome to our guide on the benefits of mixing your own cattle feed. Whether you have a small herd or a large operation, creating your own feed can significantly reduce expenses and enhance the health of your cattle!
One of the primary advantages of mixing your own feed is cost savings. Customized feed mixes allow you to lower the cost of gain, especially when feeding calves. By carefully selecting and adjusting ingredients, you ensure your calves receive optimal nutrients for growth.
Mixing your own feed also lets you tailor ingredients to meet the specific needs of your cattle and the changing seasons.
In Winter: Increase energy-rich components like corn to help cows maintain body heat.
In Spring: Adjust protein levels to support lactating cows.
In Summer: Ensure adequate hydration and nutrient levels for optimal health and productivity.
Pre-mixed cubes can result in up to 20% waste when poured on the ground. By mixing your own feed and using feeding bunks or other hard surfaces, you can minimize waste. Even if some feed is lost, the cost of your homemade mix will be significantly lower, making it a win-win situation.
Let’s look at some common feed sources:
Hay: We purchase one or two-year-old hay and adjust the nutrient levels with other sources.
Corn: A primary source of starch and energy, either whole or cracked.
Dried Distillers Grain: An excellent protein source.
Liquid Binder: Soybean liquid helps bind the ingredients together.
Consulting a nutritionist is crucial. They can help you create a balanced ration tailored to the specific needs of your cattle and the time of year. Whether independent or working for a feed company, nutritionists provide valuable guidance on ingredient ratios and expected weight gains.
Finding ingredients is easy with resources like:
Your Local Feed Mill: A reliable source for bulk ingredients.
Your Local Feed Store: Convenient for smaller quantities.
Other Ranchers: Networking with fellow ranchers can help you find the best ingredient sources in your area.
Tailored feed mixes benefit various cattle types:For Cow/Calf Operations: Improved health and productivity for both cows and calves.
For Pre-Conditioning Calves: Enhanced growth and development before entering the feedlot.
For Yearlings in Grow Yard or Pasture: Proper nutrition supports their growth.
For Seed Stock Producer (Bulls): Enhanced health and performance for breeding bulls.
You’ll need some essential equipment:
Mixer: Choose one sized to your operation’s needs, new or used.
Tractor: Ensure it meets the mixer’s requirements.Storage: Adequate storage for your feed ingredients, either new or used.
Feed Bunks: Use heavy metal or concrete bunks in pens. In open pastures, consider cut metal pipe or concrete, and prepare the ground properly.
Funding your feed mixing operation is feasible with options like:
Farm Services Administration (FSA): Offers low-interest, long-term loans.
Private Financial Institutions: Depending on your feed usage, the pay-off period could be quick.
So to sum it all up – by mixing your own feed, you achieve cost savings, reduce waste, and provide tailored nutrition to your cattle, leading to a more efficient and productive operations.