Dairymen are looking for higher milk production or, possibly, a higher cream content. Ranchers are looking for the most efficient weight gain. Poultry farmers are looking for egg production and/or weight gain. No matter what the animal type is, it is essential to find the most efficient use of feed for the cost.
Instructions
Predetermine your feed rations. If you are feeding just a couple of head of cows, you can easily mix several days worth of feed rations in large clean barrel or drum. Suppose your mix is to be 25 lbs. of chopped alfalfa, 15 lbs. of cracked corn, 1 lb. of salt and 3 lbs. of premixed molasses with supplements. Start with the dry ingredients and mix well before adding the molasses or other sticky ingredients. Proper weighing and mixing of the rations is key. The Minnesota Farm Guide states if a mixed ration is not prepared to an acceptable level, cattle can lose up to 25 percent of their feed efficiency.
Keep different mixed rations in separate containers. If you are feeding one calf for beef, one cow for milking, and half a dozen chickens for eggs, each animal group needs a different formula. Keep the formulas in separate containers so each animal receives the proper nutrition.
Feed your animals consistently. To get the best return on your feed bill, be sure to feed your animals on a regular time schedule. If you feed at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., do not suddenly change to 9 a.m. This will throw your animals' internal clocks off and they will not utilize their feed rations efficiently.