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Large round bale feeder design affects hay utilization and beef cow behavior.
D D Buskirk1, A J Zanella, T M Harrigan
1Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1225, USA. buskirk@msu.edu
Journal of Animal Science
|February 25, 2003
Summary
Different round bale feeders significantly impact hay waste and cow behavior. Cone feeders minimize hay loss and reduce aggressive interactions, making them the most efficient option for beef cattle.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Ruminant Nutrition
- Beef Cattle Management
Background:
- Efficient feeding systems are crucial for optimizing beef cattle production.
- Round bale feeders vary in design, potentially influencing hay waste and animal behavior.
- Understanding these differences is key to improving feed management practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate hay loss and feeding behaviors associated with four different round bale feeder designs.
- To determine the impact of feeder type on dry matter intake and waste composition.
- To correlate animal behavior with observed feed losses.
Main Methods:
- 160 beef cows were allocated to pens with cone, ring, trailer, or cradle feeders.
- Hay waste was collected and sampled daily over two 7-day periods.
- Animal behavior, including feeder access, occupancy, and agonistic interactions, was recorded using video systems.
Main Results:
- Dry matter hay waste varied significantly by feeder type (3.5% for cone to 14.6% for cradle).
- Waste composition differed from fed hay, with lower nutrients and higher lignin.
- Cradle feeders exhibited higher agonistic interactions and entrances, correlating with increased feed losses.
Conclusions:
- Feeder design significantly influences hay waste and cow behavior in beef cattle.
- Cone feeders demonstrated the lowest hay loss and fewer aggressive interactions.
- Optimizing feeder design is essential for reducing feed waste and improving herd management.