How feed is managed at the bunk can have a bigger impact on cow health and production than farmers might think. Seemingly small details such as timing, consistency or mix quality can make a significant difference in how cows eat and perform.
Getting feedbunk management right starts with going back to the basics. Dr. Kirby Krogstad, assistant professor of dairy nutrition at Ohio State University, stresses that clear routines, attention to detail and teamwork at the feedbunk are the foundation for keeping cows healthy and productive.
During a recent conversation on the “Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast,” he shared practical tips and strategies that dairies of all sizes can use to improve herd performance.
“One of the fundamentals that constantly needs revisiting is how to manage a bunk properly,” Krogstad says. “If you feed cows, do you have a written protocol for how you want your cows fed and how often you want feed pushed up? If you don’t have that, you need to start there.”
Make a Plan and Stick to It
For many dairies, labor availability and time management are ongoing challenges. Krogstad notes that feed push-ups don’t always happen as often as they should, and feeding times can vary. That can leave cows without feed for an extended period of time, which can reduce intake, upset the rumen and lead to dips in milk production.
A written feeding protocol is the first step. It should outline exactly how and when feed is delivered, how often push-ups occur and what to do if feed runs low. Once everyone knows the plan, it becomes easier to train employees, maintain consistency and monitor compliance.
“You have to implement a program with yourself, your staff, your family — whoever does the feeding — in mind. Then you can start using additional in a more effective way,” Krogstad says.
Simple Tools Can Make a Big Difference
Technology doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Krogstad recommends using time-lapse cameras as a simple way to track feed delivery and cow behavior.
“Hang cameras to see when feed is being pushed up, when cows are coming to the bunk and to monitor out-of-feed events,” he says. “Sometimes what we think is happening is not actually happening. A camera can show you the gaps and help you fix them.”
These cameras provide an objective view of daily routines and can highlight inconsistencies between written protocols and what actually happens. By spotting problems early, producers can adjust routines before they affect production or cow health.
Check Your Mix
Even if feed is delivered on time, the mix itself has to be consistent from one end of the bunk to the other. Krogstad suggests using a Penn State particle separator to check feed uniformity. Uneven mixing can result from operator error, improper ingredient order or worn mixer components such as kicker plates, knives or restrictors.
“If the mix isn’t consistent, you might have an operator error or equipment problem,” Krogstad explains. “Fixing these issues ensures every cow gets the same quality feed, which keeps intake steady and production predictable.”
Feed Is Too Valuable to Waste
Krogstad also emphasizes the importance of paying close attention to bunk management, especially given the high cost of feed and the challenges of maintaining reliable labor on many dairies.
“Nutrition is a huge cost,” he says. “It puzzles me why people don’t pay more attention to this when it’s the biggest input you have on your dairy.”
Feed waste can happen in many ways. Uneven mixing in the TMR can leave some cows with too little of key nutrients and others with more than they need, which can lead to portions of feed being pushed aside or left uneaten. Gaps in feed delivery or infrequent push-ups can also cause cows to compete for feed or wait for fresh feed, leaving bunk space empty or spoiled feed behind. Even small amounts of leftover feed add up to significant costs over a year.
By paying closer attention to how feed is delivered, checking the mix for consistency and keeping push-ups regular, producers can reduce waste.
“A little extra effort each day at the bunk can save a lot of feed and prevent drops in production,” Krogstad notes. “It’s one of those areas where attention to detail really shows up on the bottom line.”
Focus on Consistency
Krogstad stresses that a reliable routine is the key to an efficient feedbunk. That means consistent feeding times, consistent push-ups, consistent mix quality and consistent adherence to protocols. When cows can rely on a steady routine and uniform feed, their intake stabilizes, rumen health improves, and milk production becomes more predictable.
By focusing on these fundamentals, producers can improve cow performance, reduce feed waste and run a more efficient operation. Small, consistent improvements in the bunk add up to better herd health, higher milk production and stronger profits for the farm.
