Authors: Amber Starnes, CUCES Area Livestock and Forages Agent and Lee Van Vlake, CUCES Livestock and Forage Team Director
As we move into the winter months, one of the biggest questions for cattle producers is, “Do I have enough hay to get my herd through the winter?” Having a good estimate of your herd’s hay requirements can help prevent running short and can also help reduce unnecessary hay purchases and waste.
A good starting point is to estimate that a mature beef cow will consume approximately 2–3% of her body weight in dry matter per day. Actual intake will vary based on the animal’s size, stage of production, hay quality, weather conditions, and the amount of pasture available.
For example, a 1,200-pound mature cow may consume approximately 24–36 pounds of dry matter per day. When planning hay supplies, producers should also account for hay that is lost during storage and feeding. A practical planning estimate is approximately 25–30 pounds of hay per cow per day, with additional hay needed to account for waste.
Just keep in mind that a typical round bale can drastically vary in weight so we will discuss hay needs in tons for this article.
Calculating Your Hay Needs
The following calculation can be used to estimate the amount of hay needed:
Number of cows × pounds of hay per cow per day × number of feeding days = total pounds of hay needed
For example, a producer with 25 mature cows planning for a 120-day hay-feeding period and estimating 27.5 pounds of hay per cow per day would need:
25 cows × 27.5 lbs × 120 days = 82,500 pounds of hay
That is approximately 41 tons of hay before accounting for additional storage and feeding losses.
If the producer plans for 15% additional hay to account for waste, the total increases to approximately 47 tons.
Just keep in mind that a typical round bale can drastically vary in weight so we will discuss hay discuss hay needs in tons.
Hay Quality Matters
Not all hay provides the same amount of nutrition. Hay quality should be considered when estimating how much cattle will need to consume. Cattle will tend to consume less stored forage as quality declines. Mature, lower-quality hay alone may not provide enough energy or protein to meet the nutritional requirements of a pregnant or lactating cow.
It is important to have hay tested for crude protein, energy, fiber, and other important nutritional components. A forage test can help determine whether supplementation is needed and can help producers develop a more cost-effective winter-feeding program. Contact your local livestock and forages extension agent for more information.
Don’t Forget the Hay Waste
Hay losses can occur during harvesting, storage, and feeding. Hay stored outside and exposed to rain can lose significant nutritional value and dry matter. Feeding hay directly on the ground can also result in considerable waste.
Using hay rings or other appropriate feeding systems, storing hay under cover or protecting it from weather, and keeping hay off the ground can help reduce losses. Even a relatively small reduction in waste can make a significant difference when feeding a large herd throughout the winter.
Plan Before You Run Short
Winter hay needs will vary from farm to farm. Producers should consider the number and size of cattle, expected calving dates, available stockpiled forage, hay quality, weather, and the expected length of the hay-feeding period.
A little planning now can help prevent a hay shortage later. Determine how much hay you currently have on hand, estimate how long it will last, and make arrangements for additional hay early if necessary. Remember that hay is not just a feed source—it is a significant input cost, and managing it efficiently can have a direct impact on the profitability of the cattle operation.
