Best outdoor feeding time?

[PuG]

Beef Limousine are still out at the moment, both herds are given a bale each of hay. Spread out along the field so they all get something, and a straw bale every other in a ring feeder.

At the moment I'm normally feeding mid afternoon under the assumption they've eaten and more content overnight, but come morning they tend to hang around a bit.

The previous farmer use to feed about 8 am in the morning, then they could range for the rest of day which I had been doing but find its a-bit disruptive and still heavy dew until about 11, and given one of the fields I'm feeding on is steep tend not fancy doing it just then.

Any recommendations, does it matter when, any conclusions on better feeding times? In for the winter feed morning and then early evening.

Cheers, James

 

[beefandsleep]

I would feed when most convenient to yourself.

 

[Alicecow]

Do it at whatever time suits you. They will go to and from the feeder during the day, not just stand there for 4 hours then lay down for 8 hours so as long as you are feeding them I certainly wouldn't be worrying about what time it's done at. That said, they do like a regular routine, so pick a time and try to stick with it.

 

[Wishful Thinker]

O I wish the morning dew was a problem here, jealous.com.
Would be more a case of go when not raining here, cattle would be lucky to be fed once a week at that rate, glad mine are inside.

 

[Northeastfarmer]

Do it before they come over balling and shouting at the gate

 

[digger64]

Beef Limousine are still out atrun moment, both herds are given a bale each of hay. Spread out along the field so they all get something, and a straw bale every other in a ring feeder.

At the moment I'm normally feeding mid afternoon under the assumption they've eaten and more content overnight, but come morning they tend to hang around a bit.

The previous farmer use to feed about 8 am in the morning, then they could range for the rest of day which I had been doing but find its a-bit disruptive and still heavy dew until about 11, and given one of the fields I'm feeding on is steep tend not fancy doing it just then.

Any recommendations, does it matter when, any conclusions on better feeding times? In for the winter feed morning and then early evening.

Cheers, James

American research would suggest that evening feeding would help as a full rumen creates heat in polar conditions but I think I muddle through it as best I can

 

[PuG]

Thanks for the replies,

O I wish the morning dew was a problem here, jealous.com.
Would be more a case of go when not raining here, cattle would be lucky to be fed once a week at that rate, glad mine are inside.

Would be happy to take six months of your rain!

American research would suggest that evening feeding would help as a full rumen creates heat in polar conditions but I think I muddle through it as best I can

Yes, I heard similar and I think some research (linked with the rumen) also suggested feeding late evening, up till 10 pm at night helps push calving through until the following morning/day. Can't quote where I read that, possibly on these forums!?

Cheers,

 

[Wishful Thinker]

Thanks for the replies,



Would be happy to take six months of your rain!

,

No you wouldn't, this is a dry field the grass is above the water.

 

[Al R]

Anything that needs mechanics - tractor/loader/waggon/snacked etc should really be done in the morning, if something goes wrong at least you’ve got all day to fix it and get a backup plan!

An oil pipe can go any time, getting it off and repaired is far easier in daylight and when workshops are open!

 

[Paul E]

View attachment 604370

No you wouldn't, this is a dry field the grass is above the water.

Looking a bit droughty there pal, best get the hose pipe out before there's a ban!!