Providing a cost-efficient balanced ration also affects cow productivity. For every dollar winter feed cost is reduced, net return or benefit to the operation is $4.28.” “When feed costs make up approximately 70% of the variable cost of keeping a cow over winter, anything that can be done to reduce feed costs improves net profit. “However, the need to supply extra protein with a commercial supplement, byproducts such as canola meal or distillers grains, or home grown peas, lentils or fababeans will offset the reduced forage costs.” He says that forage prices have moderated compared to a couple years ago. Taking advantage of lower cost alternative feeds or byproducts can reduce winter feeding costs and improve nutrition.” “With many forages having low protein and energy, it is necessary to consider different options to supplement rations. “Overall forage quality this year is much lower than the 5 year average,” says Barry Yaremcio, beef and forage specialist at the Alberta Ag-Info Centre.ĬowBytes was developed for producers to design cattle feeding programs, and he adds that the program helps producers make optimum use of their home-grown feeds and to determine what needs to be purchased. This easy-to-use cattle ration balancing program can help reduce winter feeding costs and improve nutrition.ĬowBytes, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s ration balancing program, continues to be a popular choice for cattle producers in Alberta and beyond its borders.
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