Need help with winter hay planning

[redgate]

We've had lots of changes this year, including our first year raising cattle. We have 2 Lowline cows (the larger size) and their 2 calves (4 month old steers now), and an 11 month standard size Jersey. All 3 girls are pregnant (don't lecture me on the Jersey, that's a whole story in itself!!) and due to deliver around May. All are on pasture currently, rotating on mixed grass, so I haven't fed them any hay, and have no idea what their hay needs are.

What is the average amount of hay I should expect them to consume? I have read a few things, but would like to hear from real BTDT folks. THe best average I've come up with so far is roughly 2% of body weight. Estimating on the high end (rather have too much than too little hay!), I am estimating roughly 1,000 lbs for each pregnant cow, and 1,000 lbs total for the two steers.

If you really like calculating, then we also have a donkey, rabbits, chickens, and goats that will be overwintering, for a total of roughly 1 more 1,000 lb a.u.. So, I'm looking at roughly 5 animal units, averaging 3% hay needs (goats are higher, but get the excess plus winter browse). I have also estimated needing hay roughly 30 weeks (November through April, which will hopefully be a very wide cushion here in central IL).

My calculations are giving me about 31,500 lbs of hay that we need to stock up. Does this sound accurate?

Thanks in advance!
redgate

[ramiller5675]

My cows weigh about 1100-1200 lbs. each, and I usually figure that I need about one 1200 round bale per head per month.

A 500-600 lb. steer would need 500-600 lb. of hay per month.

So if I plan on feeding hay for 3 months this winter, I need at least 3-4 bales per head. Since I just went through two droughts, and still remember a long hard winter we had a few years ago, I'd try to store even more hay than that to help get me through if it gets rough again.

[Gabriel]

If they're still lactating they'll require more. Depending on how you feed it, there will be waste, possibly a lot of waste. What's the quality of the hay? Lower quality hay means more waste, unless you force them to eat junk. All in all, I think your estimates are low. As ramiller points out, hard times come to us all... if you have a way to store it properly, buy it now while it's cheap(er). Two and three year old hay is fine if it was stored right.

[G. Seddon]

Do you have an agricultural extension service where you are? They might be able to offer some guidelines specific to your area.

[Bret]

I would want 3% of the body weight, where I want the animals to be and figure 10% more for error and waste, to get started. You are in the ball bark.

[redgate]

Thanks all! My hay guy is insisting I am way over-estimating, and I keep telling him I'd rather have some extra than not enough.

[G. Seddon]

Better too much than not enough, especially when February comes along and you start to run short. As long as it's kept under cover, it'll keep pretty well!