As fall marches on, livestock producers should take time to assess their winter hay supplies, suggests Jerry Little, University of Kentucky Extension agent in Boyle County.
“Kentucky forage and livestock producers made a lot of hay this year, and for much of the state, hay supplies should be adequate for winter feeding,” he says. “Now is the time to determine whether you have enough to get your animals through the winter.”
He says accurate estimates are fairly simple to configure.
First, estimate the number of days you’ll feed hay this winter. As an example, Kentucky producers yearly average 120 days of hay feeding, from Dec. 1 until March 31.
Second, generally determine the amount of feed your animals will consume each day. Cattle and horses consume an average of 2.5% of their body weight daily. Multiply that by the number of animals you will feed.
Third, multiply the estimates of the number of days to be fed by the amount of feed to be consumed. “This will give you a good idea of the approximate pounds of hay you’ll need for the winter,” Little says.
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