January 2019 Articles

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How Do We Feed the Cow Herd This Winter?

How Do We Feed the Cow Herd This Winter? It is time to start considering winter feeding of cattle and as usual there are some concerns. A lot of this area experienced enough dry weather during the summer to limit hay production so many are approaching the winter with reduced feed supplies. The late season rains have provided some relief but it may still be a longer feeding season for many producers. Hay is typically the most convenient feed for over-wintering cattle and if sufficient quality(55% or greater TDN) and quantity can maintain a pregnant cow. When hay supplies are limited you need to develop a plan for reducing the amount consumed. Some choices for dealing with limited hay supplies are to limit access to hay, minimize hay wastage, supplement with a concentrate and/or plan for utilizing cool-season annual forages. An option to consider to delay hay feeding is to utilize residue in crop fields if available.
Typically, cows on a high-quality forage can easily consume 2.5% of body weight (on a dry matter basis) daily but this does not
mean they have to consume that much. If cows are in good body condition prior to the start of feeding, the goal could be to
maintain weight. Several studies have shown limiting the time cattle have access to adequate quality hay to 6-8 hours per day
reduces hay intake without drastic weight loss. Results from the studies indicate approximately 14 - 25% reduction in hay intake
when cows were allowed access to hay for 6 – 9 hours per day. Enough bales should be set out, approximately 1 roll per
10 cows, so all cows have access during the time they are allotted to hay. It is important to use hay rings around each bale to
reduce wastage and it has been shown that cattle are more aggressive about eating hay and waste less when limit fed. This
option of limiting hay intake can be combined with feeding a limited concentrate to improve energy and/or protein intake if
hay quality is too low. It is important to know the nutritional value of hay to determine the need for added energy or protein.
It is not too late to sample hay for analysis (should have results within 1 – 2 weeks) to gain an understanding of nutrient needs.
Also consider utilizing cool-season annual forages such as ryegrass to shorten the hay feeding period. Ryegrass or other cool season
annuals can be easily seeded into existing warm-season grass (bermuda, bahia or similar) pastures and provide substantial
forage by late winter. An 8-year study in north Florida, seeding 1.25 acres bahia pasture per cow with cereal rye or
wheat and crimson and arrowleaf clovers resulted in almost 30% reduction in hay consumption compared to a treatment with
no seeding of cool-season annuals. These overseeded forages can also be limit grazed to provide supplementation and reduce
hay intake. A study conducted in southwest Arkansas compared cow performance when allowed ad libitum access to hay and
limit grazed on overseeded pasture or fed a concentrate supplement formulated to meet animal requirements. Cows were
allowed access to overseeded pasture (.2 acres per cow) 2 days (Monday and Friday) per week for 7 hours beginning the first
week of January. Results indicated no difference in cow and calf performance between feeding a concentrate supplement or
limit grazing the overseeded pasture but hay consumption was approximately 14% less by the cows limit grazing overseeded
pastures.
Hopefully the suggestions above will provide some ideas for dealing with limited hay supplies and minimize the need for
reducing the cow herd. Feel free to contact you Louisiana Cooperative Extension Agent to discuss ways to reduce hay needs.
— M. W. Alison, LSU AgCenter