COW/CALF CORNER
The Newsletter
From the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
August 8, 2016
In this Issue:
Managing beef cow margins: Round bale pitfalls, part 1
Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist
Stockpiled bermudagrass can reduce winter feed costs
Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Emeritus Extension Animal Scientist
Managing beef cow margins: Round bale pitfalls, part
1
Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist
Round bales have been a popular feed technology in the beef industry for many years. However,
there are many challenges to buying (or producing) and using round bales correctly and cost
effectively. Round bales are often priced by the bale but the amount of hay in a bale depends on
bale size and density. For example, assume a 5x6 round bale (5 feet wide and 6 feet in diameter
or height) is priced at $52.50/bale. If the bale weighs 1,500 pounds, the price is equivalent to
$70/ton. A comparable 5x5 bale (with equal density) would weigh 1,046 pounds and be priced
at $36/bale ($70 ton) and a 4x5 bale (with equal density) would weigh 833 pounds and be priced
at $29/bale.
The density of round hay bales varies considerably and typically ranges between 9 and 12
pounds per cubic foot (lb./ft3). In the example above, the bales are assumed to have a density of
10.61 pounds per cubic feet. Bale density varies depending on the type of forage, adjustment of
the baler and skill of the baler operator. Bales with lower density weigh less; are more difficult
to handle and transport; and have more storage losses. If the 5x6 bale in the example above has a
density ten percent less (9.55 lb./ft3), the bale weighs 1,350 pounds while a density 15 percent
less (9.02 lb./ft3) results in a bale weight of 1275 pounds. If the 5x6 bale is priced at $52.50/bale,
the per-ton price increases to $78 and $82 for the lower density bales.
Round bale use inevitably results in storage and feeding losses. Hay loss with round bales varies
widely depending on storage and feeding management. Well managed bale storage and feeding
might limit losses to ten percent but combined storage and feeding losses frequently range up to
50 percent or higher. Round bales stored outside, uncovered and on the ground and fed in
unrolled, exposed bales or in simple open-sided ring feeders will have the biggest losses, easily
30 -50 percent. In contrast, bales stored inside or covered, off the ground and fed unrolled or in
cone style feeders can limit losses to 5-15 percent. The amount of hay actually consumed by
cows drops dramatically with increased storage and feeding losses. At ten percent loss, hay
consumption is 1,800 pounds for each ton of hay; at 25 percent loss, hay consumption is 1,500
pounds and at 40 percent loss, hay consumption is 1,200 pounds. At $70/ton, storage and feeding
losses increase the effective hay price to $78/ton (10 percent loss); $93/ton (25 percent loss); and
$117/ton (40 percent loss). Storage and feeding losses combined with low bale density increases
hay price further. The low density bale above (5x6 at 1275 pounds, priced at $52.50/bale) results
in a hay cost of $91/ton (10 percent loss); $110/ton (25 percent loss); and $137/ton (40 percent
loss). The combination of low bale density and high storage and feeding losses result in actual
hay cost nearly double ($137 versus $70) the stated per-ton price of hay.
Whether hay is purchased or produced, cow-calf producers face the same challenges with round
bales. Without knowing the weight and the storage and feeding losses associated with round
bales, producers cannot possibly know the true cost of hay nor manage the quantity of hay
consumption and cow herd nutrition. As important, or perhaps more important, than the
quantity, is the quality of round bales. The cost of hay ultimately depends on the pounds of
crude protein and energy delivered to the cow. Hay quality and nutrition cost will be the subject
of part 2.
Stockpiled bermudagrass can reduce winter feed costs
Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Emeritus Extension Animal Scientist
Harvested forage costs are a large part of the production costs associated with cow-calf
enterprises. A 16 year-old OSU trial had the objective to economically evaluate stockpiled
bermudagrass. The research found that this practice can reduce cow-wintering costs. Forage
accumulation during the late summer and fall is variable from year to year depending on
moisture, temperatures, date of first frost and fertility.
The OSU research has found that 50 to 100 pounds per acre of actual nitrogen fertilizer applied
in the late summer has produced 1000 – 2000 pounds of forage per acre. In some ideal situations
even more forage has been produced.
Studies between 1997 and 2000 found stockpiled bermudagrass protein concentrations were
quite impressive, even after frost. In November, the range of protein content of the standing
forage was 13.1% to 15.2%. The protein held up in December and ranged from 12.5% to 14.7%
and declined to 10.9% to 11.6% in January.
To make best use of the stockpiled forage, supplementation with 2 pounds of 14% to 25%
protein feed beginning in early December is recommended. Read about these studies in the
2001 OSU Animal Science Research Report. Some information about the forage quality is
reported in the 1999 OSU Animal Science Research Report.
Planning for the stockpiling of Bermuda must begin now.
The following is a list of recommendations for stockpiling bermudagrass pastures for best results
and reducing winter feed bills:
1. Remove existing forage by haying, clipping, or grazing by late August
2. Apply 50 to 100 pounds of actual nitrogen fertilizer per acre.
3. Defer grazing until at least late October or early November.
4. Control access to forage by rotational or strip grazing to cut waste and extend grazing.
5. If cool season forage is available for use in the winter, use the stockpiled bermudagrass
first.
6. Supplementation (2 pounds of 14 – 25% protein) should begin in early December.
7. Provide free-choice mineral (6%- 9% phosphorus and Vitamin A) with a trace-mineral
package.
Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes
but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. References within this publication to any specific
commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply
endorsement by Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.