Controlling Feed costs big challenges big changes DGM:ISU Dr. Dan Morrical Iowa State University

Feed Costs Shepherds have control Single largest cost of sheep production 50-75% of total costs Current cost of production?????

10 steps to reduce feed costs 1. Control feed waste good bunks feed what ewes need not what ewes want limit access to big packages process big packages

10 steps to reduce feed costs 2. Use feed substitution/byproducts purchase feeds on nutrient cost examples: corn gluten feed dry distillers grains soybean hulls hay qualities DGM:ISU

Comparison shopping SBM $450 per ton 48% CP 2000*.48=960 lbs $450/960= $.469 DDGS $140 per ton 27% CP 2000*.27=540 lbs $140/540= $.259

Comparison shopping Corn $3.50/ bu 3.50/56= $.0625 $.0625/.77= $.08/lb TDN DDGS $140 per ton 77% TDN 2000*.77=1540 lbs $140/1540= $.091/lb TDN

10 steps to reduce feed costs 3. Separate management groups ewe lambs vs mature ewes singles vs twins thin vs average vs fat DGM:ISU

10 steps to reduce feed costs 4. Mineral cost and intake Read label know intake level TM salt vs mineral cooperative purchasing DGM:ISU

Mineral costs $2.00 to $15.00 per ewe TM salt at $11/50 lb bag.5 ounce intake/day 365*.5=182 ounces/16=11.4 $11 x 23%= $2.53 per ewe Sheep mineral $25.00/bag 1ounce intake/day 365 ounces/16 = 22.8 $25 *46%= $11.40 per ewe DGM:ISU

10 steps to reduce feed costs 5. Sample hays supplement as needed example: protein tubs “They might need it” DGM:ISU

Iowa Hay Quality Survey, dmb Hay typeCP TDN GrassAve.Range Ave.Range 1 st cut11.6 (6-20)55.7(47-67) all others15.2( )61.8(57-70) Mixed 1 st 13.9 (8-22)56.1(41-69) 2 nd 16.8 (10-22)59.6(47-70) 3 rd 18.3 (11-23)62.4(49-73) Legumes 1 st 16.9 (10-22)56.7(48-69) 2 nd 18.3 (14-22)57.7(45-68) 3 rd 19.9 (13-23)59.4(47-70)

10 steps to reduce feed costs 6. Feed inventory management Net wrap vs twine Store on rock etcetera Tarp hay Birds DGM:ISU

Average SERP DGM:ISU YearPastureDry lot 7. Improved grazing management

Ewe Grazing Days Per Acre BFT: KyBG BFT: SBG BFT: OG Cost $40.00/year 2 of 3 years were drought DGM:ISU 2 of 3 years were drought DGM:ISU Peter Woods, WI a a 3 Year High AverageYear

10 steps to reduce feed costs 8. Grazing crop residues 1 extra mo.$ extra mo. $15.00 Grazing Season Feed LengthSavings DGM:ISU

10 steps to reduce feed costs 9. Fetal Scanning groups ewes by stage of production group ewes by level of production cull or re-breed open ewes organized lambing not long lambing

10 steps to reduce feed costs 10. Change production systems Late lambing Nutrient requirements and forage quality match Gear up ewe flock Does increase feed costs much but generates more output DGM:IS U

Bonus discussion Buy when ingredients are priced right, must be able to pull trigger hay (summer) corn (fall??) soybean hulls (summer) ability to store semi loads

Lamb finishing Corn-pelleted protein $220/ton $3.50 corn and $600 protein, 80:20 Soyhull-DDGS ration = $180/ton

Ration cost is only half the story Corn:PP $.11 per pound FE of 6 to 1 6*.11 = $.66 DDGS:SBhulls $.09 per pound FE of 7:1 7*.09 = $.63

Buy bulk Bagging adds $30 or more/ton besides it is not green

Feeding out Lambs Profit center is feeding lambs Selling feeders is costing PROFIT POTENTIAL Push the pencil really hard

Feed Conversion Feed at $.11 per pound. FE at 6 = $.66 feed cost of gain Bovatec vs Deccox

Feed Conversion Control death loss(<2%) Use high growth terminal sires improves FE.5 pound 80 lbs gain=40 lbs feed= $4.40 Market when ready

Purchase and use Sheep Brand s Utilizes 2007 Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants from the NRC Incorporates metabolizable protein and net energy system; body condition scoring adjustments; implant and feed additive adjustments; and local weather adjustments. Allows the user to define additional nutritional requirements. Develops batch sheets for feed mixing and total mixed ration development. Allows the user to customize the default settings for weather and sheep. Evaluates rations for the following: multiple stages of production; ration adequacy for group weight range; macro and micro-minerals and vitamin status; and ration costs. Calendarized approach in ewe development

Be creative take control Test hay Balance ration Comparison shop Control waste Seek advice