|
|
Post by oldtruck on Jan 28, 2016 7:33:05 GMT -5
I know this is an open ended question with many answers. but I have to ask, is 3% of body weight a good starting point for the amount of hay a mature dexter is to have. we feed primarily square bales in the winter and they seem to be wasteing a bit, and I am wondering if I am over feeding. they pull it out of the feeder to the ground and lay on it . just curious
|
|
|
|
Post by kansasdexters on Jan 28, 2016 8:17:38 GMT -5
Cows need at least 2.5 to 3% of their body weight in hay each day to maintain their weight. Pregnant cows and lactating cows need more. Yes, there will be some wasted hay. They will waste less if you feed them a portion of the bale in the morning and a portion in the evening, instead of giving them the entire bale at one time. If your hay has a lot of stem in it, they will waste more compared to when you give them a high quality hay with less stem in it. If their manure makes a high pile rather than a flat pile, then it's time to supplement with an additional protein source (like alfalfa pellets or range cubes) to provide sufficient nitrogen, so that they can utilize the hay more efficiently. They will also eat less hay if their rumen bacteria have sufficient nitrogen (from the protein supplement) needed to digest the hay (roughage) more thoroughly. Make sure they have access to a balanced, loose mineral supplement and salt. We also provide free choice access to dried kelp throughout the winter, which is a rich, natural source of micro-nutrients and vitamins.
Patti
|
|
zephyrhillsusan
member
Caught Dexteritis in Dec. 2009. Member of this forum since Oct. 2013.
Posts: 1,502 
|
Post by zephyrhillsusan on Jan 28, 2016 10:09:49 GMT -5
|
|
hoperefuge
member
Milking our Dexters in the mountains of KY since 2007
Posts: 101
|
Post by hoperefuge on Jan 28, 2016 12:17:51 GMT -5
Patti covered it well! I will add that I choose to not look at it as wasted hay...it's pasture improvement, added organic matter.  In fact with small square bales, I almost prefer feeding them on the ground, in very small piles (1-2 flakes per pile) spread out over a large area. Keep the piles far enough apart that they're not eating one pile & pooping on the next one over, and the piles are small enough that they don't usually see it as a bed. I think they tend to clean it up better that way than from a feeder, where it all piles up in a small area & makes a great bed. Kim |
|
In fact with small square bales, I almost prefer feeding them on the ground, in very small piles (1-2 flakes per pile) spread out over a large area. Keep the piles far enough apart that they're not eating one pile & pooping on the next one over, and the piles are small enough that they don't usually see it as a bed. I think they tend to clean it up better that way than from a feeder, where it all piles up in a small area & makes a great bed.