Winter Feed Cost Comparison Calculator
This calculator compares EXAMPLE RATIONS using general feed ingredients for cost comparison purposes. Producers can formulate an appropriate ration for their cattle in consultation with a qualified nutritionist, ag extension staff or through a software program like CowBytes. When considering alternative feed sources, feed testing is important to test for nutritive value and ensure a balanced ration that meets the cattle’s nutritional needs and quality (e.g. mycotoxins). Evaluate feed test results HERE. Other costs such as yardage or labour are excluded.
Step 1: Enter local price and relevant units in the green cells (choose unit from the drop-down list).
Step 2: Enter herd information in blue cells.
Step 3: Enter ration information in yellow cells (pounds of each ration ingredient on an as-fed basis. Numbers already included are EXAMPLE RATIONS only).
Step 4: Compare costs per head per day and total herd costs of alternative rations in grey cells.
| Local Price** | Example Rations (pounds as fed) Rations 1-6 are presented as pounds per cow per day on an as fed basis |
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| Main Ingredient | $/Unit | Unit (dropdown) |
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| Hay |
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| Cereal Straw |
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| Cereal Silage*** |
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| Cereal Greenfeed |
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| Barley Grain |
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| Corn |
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| Ground Canola |
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| Pellets |
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| Other (i.e. Mineral) |
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| Other (i.e. Protein Supplement) |
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| Other |
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| Other |
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| Total Intake (lbs as fed)* |
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| Total Days on Feed |
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| Herd Size |
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| Estimated Feed Cost Per Head Per Day |
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| Total Winter Feed Costs (for Herd) |
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* Total lbs of dry matter intake should be between 2-2.5% of body weight. Note: this is lbs "as fed" and not on a dry matter basis
** 1 ton = 0.907 tonne
*** Moisture content of silage is typically high, hence total intake as fed is higher compared to hay-based ration.
The Winter Feed Cost Calculator was based upon the following resources:
Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation: Ration Options for Beef Cows
Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture: Beef Cow Rations and Winter Feeding Guidelines
Manitoba Ministry of Agriculture: Cost of Production Guides & Calculators
OMAFRA: Alternative Forages and Sample Wintering Rations for Beef Cows