Animal Feed Management: Natural Grazing Over Gorging for Happier Livestock

Imagine sitting down to a meal, only to be told, “Eat it all now, because there won’t be any more until tomorrow.” 

It’s not a pleasant experience, is it?

Well, that is precisely how these traditional feeding systems are run for our animals. Instead of scattering a large portion of food throughout the day, all the animals’ food is dropped at once, and everyone has to fight for their portion.

Naturally, animals do not live like this. They graze – that is, they consume small amounts of food throughout the day. This way of eating can enhance their well-being and satisfaction and reduce waste.  

In this article, we will look deeply at why animals should go for grazing and not gorging. 

Why Are Animals Grazers by Nature?

Did you know that grazing mammals like horses, cows, and sheep are adapted to feed continuously?

They aren’t the kind to struggle to eat or wait in hunger for their meals; they graze, munching little pieces here and there so that they are well-fed and their energy is consistent.

Here are some points why animals naturally like to graze: 

1. Healthier Digestion: Cows and other ruminants have a unique digestive system that is made for grazing. Their stomachs have four compartments that work together to break down tough plant material. Grazing helps these animals efficiently digest their food and extract maximum nutrients.

2. Worry Less and Be At Peace: Another great perk of grazing is that it calms the animals. They don’t have to fight for food or think about the next meal.

3. Sustained Energy, Naturally: Grazing helps your farm animals maintain steady energy levels. Unlike pressure eating, grazing provides a constant food supply. This promotes better health and productivity.

Traditional Feeding Methods: Why Are They Ineffective?

Traditional feeding methods often fall short of meeting animals’ natural needs. This can create a lot of problems, from health issues to behavioral problems. Here are some challenges of common feeding methods:

• Trough and Bowl Feeding: If you place large quantities of food in troughs or bowls, animals might overeat, leading to many digestive issues. This feeding method can also trigger aggressive behavior as animals compete for food.
• Bale Feeding: Bales of hay left in fields will be wasted by animals as they trample or scatter them. This can lead to food contamination and reduced nutritional value.
• Free Feeding: Constant access to food can lead to overconsumption and digestive problems. For instance, horses that overeat grain are prone to colic.

Pro Tip: Don’t overfeed, as this might result in stomach difficulties and obesity.

How to Feed for Natural Grazing (and Happy Animals!)

To truly honor the natural grazing instincts of our animals, we need to provide them with feeding systems that mimic their natural environment. Here’s how to create a grazing setup that’s both healthy and sustainable:

Use Slow-Feeder Hay Bags

Slow-feeder hay bags encourage animals to work for their food by pulling it through the netting, which prevents them from eating too quickly. This method reduces hay waste by 30% and promotes healthy, sustained eating.

Rotational Grazing with Grazing Feeders

Use rotational grazing along with strategically placed feeders in different areas. This system keeps animals moving to new pastures every few days, ensuring they always have fresh grazing areas and enhancing soil health.

Controlled Free-Choice Feeders

Some feeders allow the animals to feed on small amounts of food several times. Animals can be fed barley or pellets using these feeders, allowing for limited use to prevent choking. They also help minimize waste by ensuring that food is clean and well-protected.

Raised Hay Racks

Hay racks are used to keep hay off the ground in order to protect it from being trampled or contaminated in any way. Look for designs that allow only small bites, minimizing waste and keeping feed clean.

Mix in Natural Forage

Introduce a variety of natural forage, such as wild grasses and herbs, to provide animals with diverse tastes and textures. This encourages slower grazing as animals search for their preferred forage types.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different types of hay feeders to find what works best for your animals and their feeding habits.

The Benefits of Grazing for You and Your Animals

Grazing feeding methods benefit both you and your animals. Let’s look at how : 

Save Money and Reduce Waste

Controlled feeders, hay nets, and rotational grazing can greatly reduce feed wastage and lower overall costs.

Healthier Animals and Land

Grazing mimics natural feeding behaviors, promoting better digestion, reducing stress, and ensuring that animals maintain steady energy levels. This leads to healthier, more productive livestock.

Environmental Benefits

• Soil Revitalization: Moving feeders around the pasture or paddock encourages even grazing, preventing overgrazing in one area. This allows the soil to recover, promotes grass regrowth, and enhances soil fertility.
• Reduced Erosion: Rotational grazing and strategic feeder placement help maintain ground cover, reducing soil erosion and runoff.
• Biodiversity: Healthy pastures support diverse plant species, which in turn attract beneficial insects and wildlife.

Happier Animals, Happier You

Grazing animals are calmer and less stressed, leading to a more peaceful farming environment. This can reduce labor expenses while improving your overall quality of life.

Final Takeaways

Grazing is a natural and beneficial way to feed animals. When you let your animals graze on fresh pasture, you’re improving their overall health and well-being. Grazing helps them digest better, reduces stress, and ensures they get the necessary nutrients. Plus, it’s good for the environment, enhancing soil health and reducing environmental impact.

HayBoss offers a wide range of feeders to suit your specific needs, from slow-feed hay nets to innovative rotational grazing systems.  Investing in high-quality feeding equipment can build a healthier and more sustainable farm.

Now, harness the power of natural grazing and create a brighter future for your animals and the planet.