How To Reduce Animal Feed Costs

To lower animal feed costs for your farm, consider implementing these effective strategies.

Minimize Waste and Shrink

Reducing feed waste is one of the most impactful ways to lower costs.  A 100-cow dairy can save up to $58,400 annually by reducing shrinkage from high to low levels.

Implement proper storage techniques, especially for forages in bunkers or piles, and concentrate on reducing waste during mixing, storage, and delivery.

Fine-Tune Ration Formulation

Work with a nutritionist to create precisely balanced rations for different animal groups.

This ensures animals receive necessary nutrients without costly excesses.  Consider incorporating cost-effective byproducts like distillers' grains or bakery byproducts, but monitor their quality and variability.

Optimize Bunk Management

Adjust feeding bunks to prevent overfeeding.  Aim to reduce bunk refusals to 2% or below for lactating cows, ensuring consistent feeding times and frequent feed push-ups.

Maximize Homegrown Feeds

If you grow your own feed, collaborate with a nutritionist to maximize its value.  Consider adjusting your livestock's diet, such as increasing corn silage and reducing purchased dry hay when possible.

Buy in Bulk

Stop purchasing feed by the bag or bale from local stores.  Instead, buy in bulk and stock your barn to reduce costs.

Improve Pasture Management

For operations with grazing animals, enhance pasture productivity through soil testing, appropriate fertilization, weed control, and implementation of rotational grazing.

Utilize Ration Balancing Software

Employ programs like Iowa State University's BRANDS to quickly adapt to changes in forage quality, supplement resources, and production stages, ensuring least-cost feeding strategies.

Collaborate with Experts

Form strong relationships with feed suppliers, nutritionists, and veterinarians.  Regular consultations can help identify cost-effective alternatives and optimize animal health and productivity.

Implement Precision Feeding

Consider grinding forages and incorporating them into a total mixed ration (TMR) to reduce sorting and waste.  For smaller operations, limit bale feeder access using electric fences or low-cost feeding pads.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce feed costs while maintaining or even improving your farm's productivity and animal health.

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