Wastage of conserved fodder when feeding livestock

Abstract

The objective of the present review was to establish levels of conserved fodder wastage when feeding livestock (sheep, beef cattle, dairy cattle) under various conditions and using various feed-out systems, and to determine the factors affecting wastage. The mean wastage of hay recorded in the literature reviewed was 17% of the DM offered, but the range was from 4 to 77%. The main factors affecting the degree of wastage were storage method, packaging method, method of feeding out, amount of fodder on offer and its palatability and/or quality and the impact of wet weather. Although the emphasis was on hay, the principles should also apply to silage. If wastage was 40% rather than 5%, the cost of feeding conserved fodder to livestock would be a third greater than producers might expect or budget on.