Feed bunk: space for animals to eat
A feed bunk is the trough or manger that cattle, sheep or goats eat from. Its length determines how many animals can feed together, while cleanliness affects feed waste. Weigh and note the feed left behind, known as refusals, to see how much of the ration the group has eaten.
How much bunk space does a group need?
Allow enough bunk space for every animal in the group to eat at the same time. For example, if only a few cows in a pen of 20 can reach the feed together, some may eat less and more feed may be left over. Check bunk length first.
How do you keep feed within reach?
Clean the bunk regularly, clear away spoiled feed and push fresh feed within reach several times a day.
Questions from the farm
What is the difference between a bunk and a trough?
The names overlap. A feed bunk is usually a long trough that animals stand alongside to eat. A trough is a broader term for a container holding either feed or water.
Why weigh feed left in the bunk?
Weighing leftovers helps you work out how much of the ration your animals ate. Subtract the uneaten feed from the amount offered to keep your feeding calculations close to actual intake.
How HerdMobile helps
Bring your animals, feed stocks and farm accounts together on your Android phone. HerdMobile keeps your daily work moving offline: record events, compare feed quantities and follow sales and payments in one place. Use your own feeds and herd information to prepare a ration, then keep a backup file under your control.
Compare feed offered with leftovers to see which group needs attention. HerdMobile helps you track feed use and plan daily rations around what your animals eat.
