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Post by johnwayne360 on Feb 24, 2012 11:30:30 GMT -5
How would you figure out if a tmr would save you money? I currently feed 40 beef cows and am expanding slowly. Was thinking maybe I would finish out the calves eventually also. Already have bunks, etc, but not set up for silage. The machinery costs I can at least get an estimate on, but how to figure savings in feed costs?
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Post by JoshuaGA on Feb 24, 2012 14:22:04 GMT -5
I don't think you can if you are feeding "good" feed. If you are buying junk hay and gluten and DDGs and soybean hulls and everything else you might, though with 40 cows I wouldn't count on it. If you have the bunks now maybe a bale processor in the bunks for less wastage.
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Post by johnwayne360 on Feb 25, 2012 15:34:12 GMT -5
Trying to work through this. Using 10% less waste, it doesnt work, has to be about 30% less waste to make it work(I think). The way it may work is that I can plant a couple acres more of corn due to less waste. Im still working through it, but it doesnt look all that promising.
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Post by iadave on Feb 25, 2012 16:10:52 GMT -5
I used to work for a guy that used a Total Mixed Ration. We turned the critters out on the whole farm. The hay was in one field, the corn another. When they came back in the ration was mixed!LOL
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Post by cityguy on Feb 25, 2012 16:23:55 GMT -5
iadave , just shake'n my head here , LOL
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Post by Roy@ranch on Feb 26, 2012 7:48:55 GMT -5
First off, how are you feeding now? TMR's are pricey, but they will save you some money, but more so in the ability to buy cheaper feed sources and easily put them in a ration.
Joshuaga,,, just what do you mean by "good" feed?
Roy
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Post by JoshuaGA on Feb 26, 2012 10:23:28 GMT -5
First off, how are you feeding now? TMR's are pricey, but they will save you some money, but more so in the ability to buy cheaper feed sources and easily put them in a ration. Joshuaga,,, just what do you mean by "good" feed? Roy I just mean if you are already feeding good high quality hay I dont see that a tmr is going to be anything more than an oversized bale processor. Seems like unless you are willing to buy and blend alot of byproducts, you aren't gonna get a good ROI on a TMR, at least not for 40 head of cow calf, unless he just finds an exceptional deal on one. |
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Post by jrtheoriginal on Feb 26, 2012 10:33:32 GMT -5
Actually the cost savings come in when you feed them for their needs not for their wants. Oh and your wants to.
So yes it will save you feed. How much depends on how much you think you are wasting now. (BTW take what you think you are wasting and double it) then like was mentioned before you can use some byproducts. also the consistancy of your ration will allow for better care for the cows. I can't imagine feeding cattle without a TMR. and you can get some pretty cheap used mixers out there at farm sales. just get something you have easy acces to parts for.
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Post by johnwayne360 on Feb 26, 2012 11:22:21 GMT -5
First off, how are you feeding now? TMR's are pricey, but they will save you some money, but more so in the ability to buy cheaper feed sources and easily put them in a ration. Roy Right now during about 7 months of winter Im feeding 4x5 rounds in hay rings and cornstalks on the ground. Thin cows also receive 1-2 pounds shelled corn. Also thinking I can do a better job of feeding cows a 1,2,3 trimester ration instead of just feeding poorer hay first and better hay last.. |
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