Dairy special: Top tips on reducing feed waste to increase margins

THE FIVE CORE AREAS OF FEED WASTAGE

Field: Mr Leach says, typically, 2-5 per cent of feed potential is lost within the field. “This is due to a variety of factors including management of the grazing platform, efficacy of fertiliser applications, reseeding interval and harvest conditions.”

Storage: It is estimated 2-10 per cent of feed is lost during storage, although this figure could be higher for ensiled feed.

“Rodents and birds are a major culprit, but also seepage and runoff from forage clamps, as well as mould spoilage, can cause a moderate degree of wastage.”

Feed out: About 10 per cent of feed is estimated to be lost at feeding out depending on the feeding system in place. “While the use of a diet feeder undoubtedly increases efficiency compared to a bale or clamp system, inaccurate loading will result in waste,” says Mr Leach.

“There is potential for a high margin of human error at feeding out, unless you are using a digital measuring and monitoring system.

Diet sorting can be a big issue so, if the ration is not optimally mixed, the less palatable components can be left in the trough.

Environment: There are also several environmental factors which affect feed intakes, explains Mr Leach, including light, space to access feed and water, ambient temperature and ventilation.

“As much as 20 per cent of feed can be wasted due to sub-optimal conditions. Even small changes can have an impact on feed intakes. For example, nominal losses will start to be observed at temperatures between 15 and 21 degrees.

Cow: The biggest area for potential wastage is within the cow itself.

“While rumen losses are a key driver, the environment, health and fertility are also critical control points. On average, it is estimated that more than 25 per cent of the feed consumed is not utilised by the cow for production, and this figure would be significantly higher if the cow was suffering from a metabolic disease or illness.

Key reasons for sub-optimal rumen efficiency include the ration formulation not being balanced, inconsistency in diet presentation or feed intakes, and potential mycotoxin issues.”

TIPS ON REDUCING FEED WASTE

Mr Leach says: “While there will always be some degree of feed waste, it is relatively easy to achieve incremental gains by paying closer attention to detail and improving accuracy.

"And, taking into consideration the significant investment in feed at stake, even a modest improvement will have a big impact on margins

• Maximise daylight: Aim for 16 hours of light with a minimum of 160 lux, and eight hours of dark with less than five lux
• Ensure good ventilation and air flow, particularly in the summer when heat stress can be an issue which reduces dry matter intakes
• Provide at least 70cm per cow feed barrier space to encourage eating and avoid dominant cows taking control of the feeding area

Mr Leach says: “While there will always be some degree of feed waste, it is relatively easy to achieve incremental gains by paying closer attention to detail and improving accuracy. And, taking into consideration the significant investment in feed at stake, even a modest improvement will have a big impact on margins

• Maximise daylight: Aim for 16 hours of light with a minimum of 160 lux, and eight hours of dark with less than five lux
• Ensure good ventilation and air flow, particularly in the summer when heat stress can be an issue which reduces dry matter intakes
• Provide at least 70cm per cow feed barrier space to encourage eating and avoid dominant cows taking control of the feeding area