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Post by EastwoodsDexters on Sept 23, 2013 11:17:57 GMT -5
2 part question... How do you weigh your cattle? Weight tape? Livestock scale? Weight tape is certainly economical, how accurate is it? Any recommendations for livestock scale? We are looking at this livestock scale - www.palletscales.net/ps-2000.htm which is not as expensive as some of the others I have seen but still a bit pricey... we want to not only weigh our cattle but also some of our bales to make sure we have enough hay for the winter. Which begs my next question, how do you calculate how much hay you need? We have heard 2.5% to 3.5% of body weight and for our winter in kansas use 150-180 days, we think maybe our bales are roughly 200lbs. Thank you in advance! |
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Post by lakeportfarms on Sept 23, 2013 13:05:01 GMT -5
Shauna,
We usually use a tape but if we have to be really accurate we're fortunate to have a small grain elevator two miles down the road from us where they have a truck scale. I know the weight of the truck (with a full tank of fuel) and trailer empty, and we'll load up the trailer and take it through again (with a full tank of fuel) and note the difference. Since we're neighbors and I've developed a good relationship with them they don't ask for money but I'll give him five bucks for his trouble anyway. For calves I have a scale for large boxes that goes to 500 lbs., and I stand on it holding the calf in my arms shortly after they're born.
As far as hay, a lot depends on the quality and the waste. The percentages are about right per day but I wouldn't cut it close if you have the storage for more. A couple of years ago we had an extremely mild winter here, and I had over a hundred large round bales left over. Last winter, hay was both scarce and expensive but I still ended up using the extra bales because our winter was long, somewhat cold, and snowy. I didn't have ONE extra bale when I finally got them on the pasture (a bit prematurely) May 15th. If I wanted more hay I was going to have to truck it from down South for about quadruple the average cost.
I'm not sure what type of bales are 200 lbs? So you probably want to confirm that somehow. You might want to put them in a small area and see how long a bale lasts now, to get an idea of waste as well. You can probably plan on 50-100% more depending on how cold and stormy your weather is. A large round that may ordinarily last us two days in normal winter weather will only last 1/2 of that when it's sub-zero and snowing, or even 34 degrees and raining.
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Post by EastwoodsDexters on Sept 23, 2013 14:37:18 GMT -5
Great info and advice, thank you! We have a common area at the fountain that we can enclose them in and give them a bale to check quality and waste. We think 200 lbs per bale because they are 3x3 and were baled at medium density. I can roll them on their sides and end to end and my husband can lift one off the ground. But a scale would tell you for sure. The bales are under cover so that will help. the farmers almanac says it will be a rough winter for us so when calculating should probably use 3 or 3.5% and 180 days.
I would also like to get a scale so i can accurately give pour on, medicines etc etc, i don't like guessing and wondering if i am giving too much or too little. Plus we can make sure they are gaining or maintaining their weight. Many benefits to having a scale...
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