Increased forage amount

[Honeycreek Dexters]

Just looking for some opinions, we only feed our own hay it is a mix of grass and alfalfa, first cutting. We are now feeding about 20 to 25 lbs of hay per head (adult pregnant cows) per day. They seem to be holding condition. How much more do you think we should add when the temps dip to near 0. We have increased the calves and preg heifers by 30% but I'm unsure about the moms. They are starting the last trimester. We don't use any grain.

[Cloverbell]

Can't believe this question has been hanging out here this long. Sorry guys.

Absolutely they will increase consumption. We keep our hay in a ring and notice the cows really, really increase their consumption when it gets cold. Mine are all bred too, middle and last trimesters. They doubled their consumption in December (10) rolls) and January (9 rolls) from November (5 rolls). Part of that due to fall grazing ending, calves getting bigger and eating more hay and more rain/wet hay/waste. Figure a 50% increase though went directly to them. February was half as much hay (4 rolls) as January because it was a bit milder and the rye grass pastures got a little kick start.

Do you keep a mineral tub going too? We have a high mag thermolass tub out and it helps convert their forage to weight supposedly.

[copperhead]

I think my cows are the best weather indicators around. When they won't leave the hay ring, you can be sure a cold front is on the way. I feed a small amount of cubes in the winter to keep the protein up and they like them . Keeps every one standing around so I can check them over. Right now I'm following 5 of them around, waiting for the first baby. It's a glamourous life, watching cow rear ends , woo hoo............. I love springtime, though, I think thats why I breed for spring calves.
P.J.

[marion]

The coldest weather is a good opportunity to use up some of the lesser quality hay. Alway enough so they can keep eating when it's really really cold (and make great nests with the leftovers).
I was following heifer rear ends today too! ;D Checking teat types and guessing what they will be like when developed!
I am very excited by one heifer in particular; I'm certain she has her sires' dam's teat type. Hope she has the four-gallon trait too..marion

[liz]

I agree with Marion about coldest weather hay. February a bit milder Linda, I wish; coldest month here! It's been down to about -22F (-28C) in our parts some nights and my girls are outside with a windbreak only. What we do when really cold weather is coming in is to feed out good hay, smaller amount and a little bit of grain, calories for 'shiver power', followed by a lot of mediocre stuff which they just eat and eat. They are in their last month before calving and with this we have found that they don't lose condition but they don't get more calories than they need .... so we are not feeding 'the calf'. Oh ya, and loads of kelp and a good mineral lick. Liz

[lazyj5]

Mine consume a lot more hay in the coldest part of the winter, 35 degrees below is not uncommon here and in January we had just a few days out of the whole month that the high was above freezing. We feed mostly grass and really limit the alfalfa and clover hay during the last month of pregnancy as it will mainly grow a big calf and can cause problems at birth.

[Cloverbell]

Nothing is normal weather wise around here anymore. We had tornadoes in February. It was 76 on Monday and snowed yesterday. I will try to notice if the cows are eating more before a cold front. In England they say if the cows are laying down it's going to rain. Hmmmm?
I forgot to mention we supplemented with range cubes all during this time and doubled their ration in December and January.

Following cows around watching their rear ends is exactly what I'm doing today! Haha! It truly is a glamorous life!