Feed inventory planning for dairy herds

Faith Cullens, Michigan State University Extension -

Planning feed needs for dairy animals can help with long term buying and planting decisions.

If you plan to start a dairy farm or expand your herd, you need to determine how much feed will be needed. While many factors affect how much feed will be used on farm, a rough estimate can be made by knowing the feed types desired, number of animals, production level and storage types. A simple spreadsheet can help plan for and keep track of feed needs.

Start by estimating the feed needs of the herd, beginning with needs on a per animal per day basis and then calculate needs for the herd per year for each feed. Actual consumptions should be used if possible. If feed intakes are unknown, a reasonable estimate can be obtained by using the chart below. Dry matter intake (DMI) can be multiplied by the proportion of concentrate and forage in the ration (DM basis) to give pounds of each needed on a DM basis. If the forage to concentrate ratio in the diets is unknown, use 50:50 for lactating cows and 85:15 for heifers and dry cows.


Next, harvest, storage and feeding losses must be estimated because these losses can account for 15-50 percent of total feed needed. The tables below can be helpful when planning how many acres of each feed type are necessary.

 

 

Finally, the information can be compiled into a table to track the amount of feed needed for the year.

 

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • dairy,
  • dairy management,
  • dairy nutrition,
  • msu extension
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).