The success of an agricultural property depends largely on the health and productivity of livestock. Feeding your animals a nutritious diet and controlling portions will optimize nutrient usage, which is also beneficial for the environment and creates less waste. Below, you’ll learn more about feed bunk management and its benefits. 

4-Point Scoring System

Farmers must make decisions about the amount of feed to deliver to livestock daily based on the cattle size, weight, and health. Simplify this by using a four-point scoring system, which will help you estimate your animals’ consumption and appetite to determine feed delivery.

Each day, assess the amount of feed remaining in the bunk according to the following scale:

• 0: None
• ½: Scattered 
• 1: Single, thin layer
• 2: 25-50% remaining
• 3: Over 50% remaining
• 4: Hardly any eaten 

Jot down the number each day and use it to create trend models that will inform you if the intake decreases, increases, or remains steady.

Dairy Production 

The productivity of your cows depends on fresh feed delivery. Indoor production cows need to eat about four to six hours per day, separated into nine to 14 sessions. 

Research suggests that cows who eat fresh feed within an hour after returning from milking have longer standing times. This prevents them from lying down before the teat muscles close, preventing bacterial infections that could interfere with milking.

Balance of Nutrient Cycle

The nutrients you feed to your livestock cycle back as outputs, such as milk, meat, and manure. Feeding your livestock the appropriate amount of nutrients prevents waste, such as spoiled feed or manure that contains too much phosphorus or nitrogen to use as fertilizer. Additionally, nutrient control prevents overfeeding, which keeps animals from becoming obese and developing health problems.

When you need feed bunks designed to hold appropriate amounts of food and encourage healthy eating habits, get in touch with Olson Precast Concrete. They provide precast concrete products and agricultural supplies to clients throughout West Plains, MO. Call (417) 256-1500 to order feed bunks or cattle water tanks, and visit the website to learn more about how they can assist with your residential, commercial, or agricultural project.