Example Calculation of Feed Requirements for Wintering a Cow
The calculations are based on Canadian dollars, and local prices for feed.
Note: The "traditional method" is to feed 30lbs. of quality hay each day while providing a vitamin and mineral package. The "Contemporary method" is providing 15lbs. of quality hay and 15lbs. of straw that has been treated with a liquid supplement containing a complete vitamin and mineral package. The cost for the treated straw includes 5 gallons of supplement per bale, this is our recommended amount for cattle.
Feed Costs used for this calculation:
Hay: $100/ton, or $0.05/lb.
Straw: $40/ton, or $0.02/lb.
Typical Mineral and Vitamin package: $0.07/cow/day
Treated Straw: $66/ton, or $0.033/lb.
Daily costs when using the traditional feeding method (feeding hay with a typical vitamin/mineral package):
Hay 30lbs. X $0.05 = $1.50
Vitamins and Minerals = $0.07
Total = $1.57 per day for each cow
Daily costs when using the Contemporary method (feeding half hay and half treated straw):
Hay 15lbs. X $0.05 = $0.75
Treated Straw 15lbs. X $0.033 = $0.49
Total = $1.24 per day for each cow.
Savings per cow each day: $1.57 - $1.24 = $0.33
Savings for a 120 day winter feeding program: $0.33 X 120 = $39.60 for each cow.
Notice for a 50 head operation the yearly saving are $1980!!!
Clearly your individual circumstances will be different from these, the price of hay, straw, and a vitamin/mineral supplement will be different in your region, but good hay is always more expensive than straw. It costs about $26 to inject a ton of straw, as long as the difference between the cost per ton of hay, and the cost per ton of straw is greater that $26 using Jaydar™ will save you money. We have had ranchers tell us they save between $20-$70 per head over the winter.
