Types of Cattle Feeder Systems

Forage Systems

• Forage is feed rich in fiber and light in digestible nutrients. Examples include corn plants, barley grains, legumes and grasses. These crops can be cut, dried and baled as hay. Alternatively, they are harvested at high moisture levels, chopped, stored and fermented as silage. Delivery methods range from low-tech systems like pasturing to automatic feeding technology. Grazing in pasture cuts down on equipment and fuel expense while giving the bovines exercise which is good for their health. However, these gains are balanced against the need for nutritional supplementation and the sometimes insufficient duration of grazing seasons. Fence feeders on a feed lot keep the animals more stationary, but provide consistent and fortified nutrition to the cows, which eat directly from the bales through fence openings. Automatic feeders can hold large volumes of forage, and be set to disburse it at scheduled times and in predetermined amounts.

Grain Systems

• Both beef and dairy cattle require grain in their diet. How it is delivered and in what amounts depends on their age and purpose. Grains such as corn provides protein and energy. More importantly for beef cattle, grain is an important contributor to weight gain prior to slaughter. Grain is most often found in bunks, or tubs, from which the cattle can feed. While there are automatic feeders for cattle, some scientists recommend direct feeding, preferably twice a day. This allows farmers and ranchers the opportunity to monitor and retain a feel for the behavior of the cows relative to their health. Also advised is the continual and vigorous mixing of the grain particles, since those of like size and type tend to settle together. Finally, all effective systems must provide plenty of water: cows will not eat if they cannot drink.

Mineral Systems

• Livestock in general spend a good deal of time in close quarters. Cattle are no exception. With this in mind, farmers and ranchers must see to the immune health of their herds by supplementing their diet with vitamins and trace minerals. There are only two ways to meet this need: force-feeding supplements by mixing with grain or forage rations, and providing supplement mixtures for the cows to consume freely. The latter is delivered through large vats covered with flaps easily lifted by the cows. Either way, the supplementation must possess just the right balance of vitamins and minerals for the best results in terms of absorption. An excess of iron and sulfur causes decreased absorption of copper and zinc. Periodic analyses of blood and tissue from the herd can reveal deficiencies in a given mineral regimen.

Total Mixed Rations

• Feeding cattle total mixed rations means a farmer can combine grains, forages and mineral supplementation all in one ration. Furthermore, it serves to deliver forages that the herd might not take to because the mixture makes it more palatable. While both reducing labor expenditures and optimizing nutrition, this method does require costly mixing equipment and weighing machines. The rations differ in composition depending on the reproduction stage of dairy cows, the proximity to slaughter for beef cattle and the maturity of calves. Consistency and regular schedules are central to TMR feeding.