How much feed does the average cow eat?
Intake depends on forage quality and whether the cows are gestating or lactating and their body weight and milk producing ability. Also age has to be factored in, young cows have less rumen space and therefore lower intakes. Following are some general intake ideas. • Cows will consume between 1.8% and 2% of their body weight on a dry basis of a low quality feed. • Cows will consume between 2.0% and 2.2% of their body weight on a dry basis of an average quality feed. • Cows will consume between 2.2% and 2.5% (during lactation it may be as high as 2.7%) of their body weight on a dry basis of a high quality feed. As an example, if cows eat 2% of their weight on a dry basis daily – 1200 lb cow will eat 24 lb/day (1200 x .02 = 24 lb) – of an average quality before calving, because feeds contain moisture, you will need to account for that, so if the hay is 10% moisture and therefore 90% dry, you will need to feed 26.6 lb (24/.9=26.6) of hay per head per day.
