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MU Extension Provides Steps for Winter Livestock Feeding Prep

Winter is here, and ensuring your livestock are well-fed and healthy during the colder months is more important than ever. According to MU Extension, now is the time to evaluate your winter feeding strategy to make sure your animals’ nutritional needs are met. To help you get started, here are three steps that can make managing your winter livestock feeding easier and more effective.

Step 1: Understand Your Livestock’s Needs

Start by calculating how much feed your animals will require through the rest of the winter. Livestock consumption varies depending on the size, type, and condition of livestock. For example, a 1,000-pound cow consumes about 30 pounds of dry matter daily. Larger animals or those with higher nutritional demands, like lactating cows, require even more.

Don’t forget to account for waste, which can reach up to 20% due to handling, storage, and feeding. By factoring in these losses, you can ensure you have enough feed to last until spring grazing begins.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Forage Inventory

Next, take a detailed look at your available forage. How much pasture can still be grazed and for how long? Each day of grazing reduces the need for supplemental hay, saving costs.

If you’re feeding hay, determine its weight—bales of the same size can vary significantly depending on density. Knowing the weight ensures you match your forage supply with your animals’ needs. For example, a 1,000-pound bale goes much further than a 750-pound bale, so precise measurements are key to planning.

Step 3: Plan for Nutritional Gaps

Hay quality often varies, and your livestock may need additional nutrients to remain healthy. Testing your hay can determine whether it lacks critical nutrients. For example, mixed grass hay may need supplements to meet your animals' energy requirements, particularly for calves or lactating cows.

Creating a supplement plan based on hay testing results ensures your livestock receive balanced nutrition throughout the winter.

Be Prepared for a Successful Winter

Winter livestock feeding requires careful planning to keep your animals healthy while managing costs. By assessing your needs, inventory, and supplements, you can make informed decisions that benefit both your livestock and your bottom line.

If you’re looking for hay and forage equipment, contact your local John Deere dealer to learn more about the latest offerings.