Whether starting cattle, or feeding through the winter months, proper bunk management is an important, but often overlooked, component in feedlot prosperity. The key is to maintain a constant consumption of feeds while minimizing wastage. One of the main key factors in the feedlot operation profitability is optimizing dry matter intake (DMI) of the cattle in the yard. Average daily gain of cattle is complex, being impacted by genetics and environmental factors such as weather, wind, feed yard conditions, social dynamics within the herd, as well as access to water and feed. The cattle producer has a lot of opportunity to maximize profits through good management to minimize the effect of any of these components on animal performance.

The nutritional needs of beef cattle have been reasonably well defined and there are many technologies available to the cattle producer to run a profitable operation. Use of ionophores to modify rumen fermentation, anabolic implants to increase lean deposition and antibiotics to control infectious disease or metabolic problems are but some of these tools. Despite these tools, not all feedlot operators are successful at feeding cattle. Market conditions, cost production and other factors can impact profitability. Diets which appear to be ideal on paper do not always produce expected results. Delivery and condition of the diet to the cattle is crucial their performance and this is where proper maintenance of the feed bunk can be a simple, yet profitable management step. Table 1 shows results from Dr. J. J. Wagner and others from South Dakota State University on the impact on intakes, gains and feed conversions with heifers fed for 133 days under low or high management groups. Clearly, higher management is reflected by improved performance in the feedlot.

If management of the feed bunk is not optimum, intake will decline and feed conversion and ADG will decline. These will impact both the fixed and variable costs per unit of gain and the eventual bottom line. Bunk management simply means matching the amount of feed delivered to the amount of feed the cattle can handle. It includes providing enough space along the bunk for cattle to get access to the feed when they need it.

Cattle are ruminants. This means that there is extensive fermentation which does occur in the rumen. Everything we do to maintain a consistent ruminal environment is good for the feedlot animal. Variation in rumen dynamics is the number one cause of feed related performance issues in the feedlot. This is why we want to ensure that what is delivered each day is consistent in quality.

For example, during and following harsh weather conditions, feed bunk management is very important, especially for cattle finishing on high concentrate diets. During periods of cold or stormy weather, feed intake often declines. The amount of feed offered the animals should be reduced to ensure that the bunk residue does not build up and that feed remains fresh. With the return of favourable weather, consumption will return. Be careful not to bring the cattle back on full feed too quickly to avoid ruminal acidosis problems. Feed should be only be increased by ½ kg every two days until the cattle are back to full feed levels.

Cattle are also creatures of habit. They will usually come up to the bunk when fresh feed is delivered. Provision of consistent amounts of feeds and mixes of feed is critical to the maintenance of a stable rumen environment and maximizing of DMI. To do this, it is important to use a good feed wagon and scale to measure the amount of feed provided to the bunk. Scheduling of feed delivery at the same time each day will also aid in the uniformity of consumption patterns. Keep records of feed delivery to help track changes in intake patterns.

In a series of meetings held in Ontario in November, 2001, Dr. John Bonner of Land O'Lakes Farmland Feed emphasized the importance of bunk management, using miniature bunks to show the effect of bunk scoring on feed intake. Using the bunk scoring system devised by Dr. Robbi Pritchard of South Dakota State University (Table 2), Dr. Bonner showed that by providing a high level of bunk management, feed delivery and consumption was much more consistent. Record the bunk score before feed is delivered. The daily bunk score, combined with the amount of feed delivered each day, will provide a good indication of consistency of intake. This can help reduce the impact of erratic feed delivery.

It is crucial for cattle producers to watch their cattle and feed intake and to make adjustments for the number of animals, changes in the weather and environment, feed processing and other factors that affect intake. Are some cattle dominating others to the extent that aggressive cattle are overeating and the more timid animals are being underfed? Overcrowding at feed bunks will encourage over-consumption at one time and increase rumen pH fluctuations. Finishing cattle 275 kg to market weight should have 9 to 12 inches of feed bunk space. Feed bunks should be observed several times per day to look at changes in uniformity of the feed which is mixed, delivered, consumed and that which is refused. Is there an abundance of fines (which can indicate sorting of the feed or excessive feed processing)?

Finally, are the bunks clean and free of contaminants such as manure, mould, spoiled feed, frozen feed in the corners. Anything that negatively impacts intake will lower profitability.

Feed bunk management should be part of the normal routine of the feedlot operator. Keen observations of the bunk and cattle will help identify critical control points which limit operation success. The bottom line is that feed bunk management, while not difficult, can severely impact feedlot profit.