This winter has been favorable for feeding cattle in the Northern Plains. But while the weather has been mild lately, winter-like weather is coming sooner rather than later. South Dakota State University Extension beef feedlot management associate Warren Rusche says bedding cattle during the extreme cold reduces maintenance energy costs and improves gain and feed efficiency. A study at SDSU showed a $62 per head cost reduction over a 143-day feeding period with bedding during severe winter conditions. “I think we need to look at bedding as an insurance policy or an emergency fund,” says Rusche. “When conditions start turning on feeders, they can used bedding as a resource for cattle to reduce overall cost of gain and cattle comfort.” Hear more in this Red River Farm Network interview.
